After a collision, everyone involved must stay until they have exchanged information or until the police have arrived. When a driver leaves the scene, this is considered a hit and run accident in Pleasant Prairie.
When you or your loved one was injured by a negligent motorist who fled the scene, you may have a case to pursue justice. Reach out to the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. today to discuss your incident with an experienced car crash attorney.
Why Do People Leave a Car Accident Scene?
One of the most common reasons for fleeing a collision is drunk driving. An intoxicated person may run to avoid charges for their negligence. Finding the at-fault driver and collecting from their insurance can be difficult without their license plate or contact information.
Regardless of why someone left the scene, a Pleasant Prairie lawyer could help you identify the responsible party in a hit-and-run case to obtain rightful compensation. They could collect camera footage from where the incident occurred and open a full investigation to find the person at fault for your damages.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
If you have been in an accident where the other motorist fled the scene, it is important to take certain steps. To begin, evaluate whether you or anyone else involved needs an ambulance for their injuries. Following this, contact the police to report the incident and have a report filed. If you can, exchange contact information with other drivers or witnesses who saw the events unfold. These individuals could help identify the at-fault motorist.
After this, visit a medical professional to document and receive treatment for any injuries, including minor ones. This way, you can ensure nothing goes undetected, such as a concussion or internal organ damage. In addition, your doctor can provide medical records of the harm you sustained to be later used for pursuing compensation.
Types of Damages from a Hit and Run Crash
Several forms of compensation may be available to you after a hit-and-run crash, either through the at-fault motorist’s insurance or your own.
Economic Damages
You may be able to obtain compensation for economic damages after a wreck. These are tangible and calculable losses that can be replaced with a monetary award, such as:
- Repairs and replacements for property damage
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Funeral expenses
An accident attorney in Pleasant Prairie could study your hit and run case and determine which forms of economic damages could be available.
Non-Economic Damages
It is more challenging to calculate non-economic damages due to these losses being more subjective, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Non-economic damages are as valid as any other type and should be compensated according to your losses.
Punitive Damages
A court may award punitive damages to punish particularly egregious behavior and prevent similar behavior. A hit and run may constitute these types of damages, especially if the defendant was intoxicated or had a suspended license.
Learn More About Hit and Run Accident Cases in Pleasant Prairie Today
You deserve justice following a hit-and-run accident in Pleasant Prairie. Our hardworking personal injury attorneys could pursue the wrongdoer through a thorough investigation and help you obtain compensation.
Contact the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. to find out more about how our seasoned legal team could support you during this challenging time.