A hit and run happens when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene instead of stopping as the law requires. A crash like this can leave injured people wondering how they will pay for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other losses.
If you have been in such an accident, a Boston car accident lawyer at Earley Law Group will review it and explain your legal options. If we work on your claim, we will handle the insurance company for you.
We also will help you pursue compensation, even if the driver who caused the crash cannot be found.
What Counts as a Hit and Run in Massachusetts?
A hit and run can happen anytime a driver leaves without meeting the legal responsibilities that apply after a collision. This may involve another vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, a motorcycle, or even damaged property.
A driver may commit a hit and run by leaving after:
- A two-car collision.
- Hitting a parked vehicle.
- Striking a pedestrian.
- Hitting a bicyclist.
- Crashing into a motorcyclist.
- Damaging a mailbox, fence, or other property.
The crash does not have to involve major injuries, and even a low-speed crash can become a hit and run if the driver leaves without stopping.
Earley Law Group helps people understand their legal options after many types of accidents.
How Our Lawyer Can Help After a Hit and Run Accident
When the other driver disappears, it is easy to feel like you have run out of options. In many cases, that is not true. Earley Law Group moves quickly to gather evidence and help protect your claim before information that can help your claim is lost.
We will:
- Review the police report carefully.
- Look for traffic camera or security camera footage that may have captured the crash.
- Speak with witnesses who saw the accident.
- Collect photos and videos taken at the crash scene.
- Identify other parties that could be responsible for your damages.
- Review vehicle damage and damage to other property.
- Work with accident reconstructionists if needed.
- Look for uninsured motorist coverage that may apply.
- Calculate the full value of your losses.
- Prepare your case for trial if we cannot settle your case outside of court.
These steps can make a difference when there are few details about the driver who left the scene. At Earley Law Group, we understand that every hit and run case is different. We tailor our strategy according to the circumstances of your case.
Why Do Drivers Leave the Scene?
Drivers flee the scene after a hit and run for different reasons. They may leave if they:
- Do not have auto insurance or enough coverage.
- Have a suspended driver’s license.
- Were driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both.
- Fear being arrested.
- Have outstanding warrants.
- Worry their immigration status may bring legal consequences
- Were distracted before the crash
- Made a poor decision as the crash happened.
Whatever their reason is for leaving, it does not erase the harm that an injured person suffered. Earley Law Group works to uncover the facts so that you will have a clearer picture of what happened and what options may be available.
Can You Recover Compensation if the Driver Is Never Found?
In some situations, you may still have ways to recover money for your losses. Your auto insurance policy may include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If it does, that coverage may help pay for losses caused by a hit and run driver, depending on your policy and the facts of your case.
Coverage may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost pay
- Pain and suffering (when allowed)
- Future medical care and rehabilitation
- Other covered losses
A hit and run crash attorney at Earley Law Group will read your policy closely to determine what benefits may be available.
What Happens if Police Find the Driver Who Hit You?
Even if the police find the driver, it does not automatically resolve the case. They can investigate the crash and decide whether to file criminal charges. Your injury claim is separate from the criminal case, and you may still need to work with insurance companies or pursue a civil claim to recover losses.
If the driver is identified, the insurance company may become involved. There may still be questions about fault, the value of your damages, or whether enough insurance coverage is available to pay your claim.
Earley Law Group will guide you through your claim as it unfolds. We will explain how a criminal case and a personal injury claim may affect one another and what comes next.
Does Massachusetts Have Laws About Leaving the Scene?
In Massachusetts, the law requires drivers involved in certain crashes to stop and meet specific legal duties. Depending on what happened, a driver may have to:
- Stop at the accident scene.
- Exchange identifying information.
- Provide vehicle registration information.
- Report the accident when required.
- Give reasonable assistance to injured people.
Leaving before completing these duties can lead to criminal penalties in addition to civil liability.
You can learn more about certain Massachusetts laws that apply to civil claims involving hit and run by reading Chapter 90, Section 24 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Your attorney with Earley Law Group will explain how state law applies to your accident.
When Should You Call a Lawyer for a Hit and Run Crash?
Many people try to handle the insurance process on their own after an accident. Some claims go smoothly, but others can become more difficult when fault is disputed over who caused the crash, or the insurance company questions what happened.
You may want to speak to an attorney from Earley Law Group if:
- You suffered injuries, especially serious ones.
- The driver cannot be located.
- Your insurance company denies or delays your claim.
- You receive a settlement offer that seems too low.
- You are unsure what insurance coverage applies.
- Your injuries cause you to miss work.
Getting answers early from Earley Law Group can help. We will guide you in making informed decisions about your claim.
Speak With Earley Law Group About a Hit and Run Collision
A driver who leaves the scene can create extra challenges, but that does not always mean your case has reached a dead end. Our Boston personal injury lawyers will explain what a hit and run is, review the facts, and work to recover the compensation available under the law.
Earley Law Group has served injured people since 2006 and brings 25 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have recovered millions for our clients and provide white-glove client service. We will communicate clearly throughout your case and can connect clients with medical resources when needed.
You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call Earley Before It’s Too Late!™ Contact us today for a free consultation.
