Did someone else hit your car and then flee the scene of the crash? In Massachusetts, drivers who are involved in a crash are expected to stop as soon as possible. When they decide to drive away instead, the outcome is a collision known as a hit and run accident.
At Earley Law Group, we understand how frustrating this experience can be, and while you might feel like you’re out of luck if the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found, this is not true. You can still pursue compensation with the help of a car accident lawyer in Quincy.
Founded in 2006, our attorneys have 25 years of combined experience. In that time, we’ve recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Call us today for help from a hit and run accident lawyer in Quincy who can seek justice in your case.
Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident Illegal in Massachusetts?
After any traffic accident involving injuries or property damage, drivers have certain legal responsibilities. They are expected to stop at the scene, exchange contact information, and provide reasonable assistance if someone has been hurt.
Depending on the circumstances, agencies such as the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MASSDOT) can help you collect information about roadway conditions or other information that could be relevant during your lawyer’s investigation.
Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law. Some drivers panic because they are afraid of getting into trouble. Others might not have insurance, have outstanding warrants, or were impaired at the time of the crash, but your attorney can respond accordingly.
Can Earley Law Group Help You Recover Compensation If the Driver is Never Found?
Many Massachusetts drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage as part of their automobile insurance policies. Because a hit and run driver cannot be identified, these accidents are frequently handled similarly to accidents involving uninsured motorists.
However, that does not mean recovering compensation is automatic. Insurance companies may still investigate the accident carefully before approving your claim. They may question whether the accident happened exactly as reported or whether your injuries are as serious as you claim.
A personal injury lawyer in Quincy can help prepare the evidence needed to support your uninsured motorist claim and negotiate with your own insurance company if disputes arise.
Why You Should Contact Earley Law Group ASAP
Time matters after a hit and run accident. Evidence can disappear quickly. Nearby businesses may overwrite surveillance footage within days. Witnesses can become difficult to locate, and memories naturally fade over time.
The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the sooner they can begin collecting valuable evidence. While the specifics depend on the exact circumstances of your case, here’s what your Quincy hit and run accident lawyer can do for you:
- Obtain surveillance videos from nearby businesses
- Request traffic camera footage
- Interview eyewitnesses
- Review police reports
- Examine vehicle damage
- Preserve electronic evidence
- Work with accident reconstruction professionals
- Coordinate with investigators
- Investigate the accident
- Coordinate with law enforcement when appropriate
- Gather evidence
- Review insurance coverage
- Calculate your damages
- Handle insurance company communications
- Negotiate settlement offers
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
Starting this process early often improves the chances of identifying the fleeing driver or building a stronger insurance claim if the driver remains unknown.
Massachusetts Laws That Can Affect Your Hit and Run Claim
Massachusetts is a no-fault state. This means that all drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance that covers them regardless of who causes a crash. However, there are types of damages that PIP won’t reimburse you for, and severe crashes often cost more than maximum PIP benefits will cover.
If you qualify, you can make up that difference through a separate personal injury claim, and that’s when fault becomes relevant. Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence system. As a result, if more than one person contributed to the accident, responsibility can be divided.
That said, your recovery could be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Insurance companies sometimes attempt to shift blame onto injured victims by arguing they were speeding, distracted, or failed to avoid the collision. A lawyer works to counter these arguments using objective evidence rather than speculation.
How Earley Law Group Can Prove What Happened
One of the challenges in hit and run cases is that the person responsible is not available to tell their version of events. That means the evidence becomes especially important.
A Quincy hit and run accident lawyer builds your case by gathering documentation that clearly explains how the collision occurred and how your injuries have affected your life. The following types of evidence are important in hit and run cases:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Vehicle damage
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Traffic camera recordings
- Cell phone photos and videos
- Professional analysis when necessary
Even if the driver is eventually identified months later, collecting this evidence early can strengthen your claim significantly.
Compensation Earley Law Group Can Help You Recover
Every injury affects people differently. Some individuals recover within weeks, while others face surgeries, rehabilitation, chronic pain, or permanent disabilities that change nearly every aspect of daily life.
While the compensation available in your case will depend on the details of your situation, this is what many victims can often pursue financial recovery for in the aftermath of a crash:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Calculating these damages involves much more than totaling receipts. A lawyer carefully evaluates how your injuries affect your work, family responsibilities, hobbies, and long-term quality of life before negotiating with insurance companies.
Contact Earley Law Group for Advice From Quincy Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Choosing the right attorney is about finding someone who knows personal injury law and understands what you’re going through. It’s also important to look for lawyers who try to make the process as manageable as possible for you.
At Earley Law Group, our Quincy hit and run accident attorneys have a reputation for focusing on the client experience from beginning to end. Thanks to our white-glove approach, we’re able to give our clients personal attention, honest answers, and responsive communication.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay any attorney’s fees until compensation is recovered in your case. If traveling is difficult for you due to your injuries, we can also travel to you for your consultation. Call us today for help.