How Are Damages Covered After a Hit-And-Run Accident?

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a scary and frustrating experience. Such an accident can leave you with costly medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. You may wonder how you can receive compensation for these damages if you don’t know the identity of the person who caused the accident.

Don’t assume you have no options in these circumstances. In Massachusetts, even if you are harmed in an accident in which the driver fled the scene, you may still have ways to seek the compensation that you deserve.

What You Need to Know About Massachusetts’ No-Fault Laws

Massachusetts is one of a few states in the country that uses the no-fault system regarding how car accident victims can seek financial compensation for their losses. In most states, to pursue compensation after a motor vehicle accident, a victim needs to file an insurance claim with the insurer of the negligent party who caused their accident.

Massachusetts is different. In a no-fault state like Massachusetts, when you’ve been involved in an accident, you can seek compensation for your losses by filing a claim with your own insurance, even if the accident resulted from the negligence of another party. That means even if the driver who caused your accident fled the scene, you can still get compensation from your own insurance.

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable in Massachusetts

Sometimes an accident causes serious injuries and significant damages. In these circumstances, your insurance might not be able to provide all the compensation that you deserve. Even in a no-fault state like Massachusetts, you can still potentially file a claim with the insurance of the negligent driver who caused your accident if your injuries are severe enough to meet a certain threshold. A Massachusetts car accident attorney can review your case and determine if this is an option.

Filing a Separate Claim in Massachusetts After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you will be unable to identify the negligent driver who fled the scene of the collision. First of all, one of the initial steps you should take in the aftermath of any car accident is to call 911 and report the accident to the police. While the police investigate the scene, you can provide them with any identifying details you may remember about the vehicle and individual who struck you. The police may be able to use these details to track down the negligent driver that day.

Even if the police don’t find the driver right away, they may still launch an investigation. Additionally, a law firm may have the resources necessary to investigate your accident on your behalf. By hiring a lawyer, while there is absolutely no guarantee that you will discover the identity of the negligent driver who caused your accident, there is certainly a possibility of doing so.

The Value of Hiring a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run in Massachusetts

Investigating your accident to potentially identify the driver who caused it is just one way an attorney may be able to assist you in these circumstances. Be aware that even if you only seek compensation by filing a claim with your own insurance, it’s still helpful to have representation from a lawyer who understands how insurance companies operate.

Your insurer isn’t necessarily motivated to provide you with the full amount of compensation you may be seeking. Because insurance is still a business, the insurance company’s goal may be to pay you as little as possible.

A lawyer can’t promise that you will receive a specific amount of money when they settle your case. Making such promises is unethical for attorneys. That said, a lawyer could gather evidence documenting the full extent of your damages. They could use this evidence to potentially negotiate for a more appropriate settlement on your behalf.

If the lawyer is successful in finding the driver who caused your accident, they can also gather evidence showing that the collision resulted from their negligence. This is key to showing the insurance company that you have a valid claim.

If you’ve been harmed in a hit-and-run accident in Massachusetts, a Boston car accident lawyer at Swartz & Swartz, P.C. is prepared to review your case for free and discuss your legal options in greater detail. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at (617) 742-1900.

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