A responsible motorist stops when they are involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, not all Washington DC motorists are responsible. Getting injured in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling vulnerable and isolated.
At Marks & Harrison, we protect victims of hit-and-run accidents by giving them the advice and resources they need to pursue meaningful compensation for their injuries and other financial losses. Our Washington DC hit-and-run accident lawyers are dedicated to holding careless drivers responsible for their actions and seeking justice for our clients.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident and need help seeking full and fair compensation for your losses, contact our office today to receive a free consultation. Our highly skilled team, featuring more than 30 personal injury lawyers and 100 support staff members, will be ready to get to work for you.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
All motorists are legally obligated to stop when they are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Hit-and-run, or leaving after colliding, occurs when someone who knows (or reasonably should have known) they were involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping, rendering aid, or providing identifying information to law enforcement officers and accident victims.
Why Would a Driver Leave the Scene of an Accident?
Being involved in an accident is frightening and stressful. No one can know what happens in another person’s head. However, some common factors lead people to leave the scene of an accident. Some of the most frequent excuses for fleeing an accident scene in Washington DC include:
- Driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving without a license
- Driving without mandatory auto insurance
- Having an outstanding warrant or other legal issues on their record
- Panic and confusion.
The common denominator that leads most people to leave the scene of an accident is fear of legal consequences.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident in DC?
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming. If you are involved in one, you should remain calm and think through the situation. Your actions following a hit-and-run accident can impact the outcome of any compensation claim that you file. If you are involved in a Washington DC hit-and-run accident, consider the following:
- Immediately contact law enforcement — Contact the authorities and report the accident right away.
- Seek medical attention — Protect your health by seeing a medical professional for your injuries, even if you feel fine. Concussion and signs of internal bleeding may not be apparent.
- Document the scene — Document the scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photographs and videos of the scene, the damage to your car, and your injuries. Make notes on what you remember, especially the make, model, and identifying features of the other vehicle. Ask witnesses for contact information and a description of what they saw.
- Contact an attorney — Protecting your rights and recovering compensation for your injuries after a hit-and-run pose unique challenges. Confront them with the help of an experienced attorney.
- Contact your insurer — Notify your insurance company of the incident. After the crash, your attorney can help manage communication between you, your insurance company, and law enforcement.
After a hit-and-run accident, you should remember to stay off social media, document your medical expenses and other financial losses, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
Does Washington DC Have Penalties for Hit-and-Run Drivers?
Yes. Hit-and-run, or “leaving after colliding,” is a criminal offense in Washington DC. People caught violating the law face penalties such as fines, jail, and points added to their driver’s license. If drivers have enough points on their record, they can lose their driving privileges through license suspension.
What Can I Do If the Hit-and-Run Driver Cannot Be Found?
Sometimes, a hit-and-run driver cannot be found and held responsible for their reckless actions. You may still have options for recovering compensation for your injuries. The first step in understanding your options is reviewing your auto insurance policy.
Washington DC follows a modified no-fault system. Under this system, purchasing personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is optional. However, if you purchase PIP, you have 60 days after the crash to advise your insurer that you plan to use it. So, review your policy to see if you have PIP coverage. This insurance pays for medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limit, no matter who is responsible for causing the accident.
You should also review your policy for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles lists uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury and property damage as mandatory for drivers. This coverage protects people when another driver causes an accident but lacks sufficient (or any) insurance. It can also protect drivers who are the victims of hit-and-run accidents when the at-fault driver cannot be found.
A hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you determine the best avenue for pursuing compensation when the hit-and-run driver cannot be found. Insurance claims involving a hit-and-run driver, PIP, and UM coverage can be complicated. It will serve you best to allow an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate your situation before proceeding with a claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Washington DC Car Accident Claim?
Depending on the circumstances of the car accident and the severity of your injuries, if the hit-and-run driver is found, a personal injury lawsuit may be the best way to seek the money you deserve. If you used your PIP coverage, you will need to meet specific qualifications to be entitled to file such a lawsuit. Otherwise, under D.C. Code § 12–301, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your losses.
Our Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help You
Are you feeling overwhelmed after a hit-and-run accident in Washington DC? The legal team at Marks & Harrison is ready to help. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers have recovered millions in compensation for car accident victims like you and have a strong track record of success. Contact our office today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.
