New Orleans Auto Accident Attorneys Diligently Fight for Compensation in Hit-and-Run Cases
Experienced representation for hit-and-run victims throughout Louisiana
A hit and run occurs when a party to an accident flees the scene. Louisiana law prohibits this behavior, but new incidents are reported daily. Sometimes the responsible party leaves the scene even when there is an injured party present. For the victim, a hit and run is emotionally and physically painful. You are not only left to deal with the resulting injuries, but you may also find yourself wondering how someone could act in such a negligent and inconsiderate manner.
At Minias Law, we provide accessible representation for hit-and-run victims throughout Louisiana. We have spent years assisting the residents of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and East Baton Rouge Parishes. If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, trust your case to an experienced New Orleans auto accident lawyer.
A client-centered focus for Louisiana hit and run cases
In most situations, hit and runs occur because the at-fault party refuses to take responsibility for his or her actions. These incidents are more likely to happen when the following circumstances are present:
- A driver who operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Under this scenario, the driver may leave for fear of facing criminal penalties for drunk driving. In addition, a highly-intoxicated driver may have caused an accident without even realizing what occurred.
- A driver who operates a vehicle without legally required auto insurance. These drivers likely know that their lack of insurance will leave them without the ability to pay for resulting damages. Therefore, they choose to leave the scene instead of providing their identifying information.
- A driver without proper driving privileges. The driver’s license may be suspended or revoked. Instead of facing criminal penalties, they choose to leave the scene.
- A driver with a pending criminal case. These drivers may not stop because they fear the consequences of an open warrant, a probation violation, or a pending immigration matter.
- Whatever the reasoning behind the hit and run, it is still an illegal act. An efficient New Orleans hit-and-run accident attorney helps you identify the at-fault party and aggressively fights for adequate compensation.
When someone hits your car and keeps going what happens?
Observe as much as you can about the other vehicle before it disappears. Look for the color, make and model of the vehicle along with where the vehicle might have suffered damage in the crash. Try to find witnesses who are willing to speak about what they saw, and take as many pictures of the scene and the damage to your vehicle and the location in which the crash occurred.
Do not attempt to chase down the other driver. Instead, call the police and file an accident report about the crash. If the police are unable to track down the driver who caused the crash, the traffic accident report will be useful to your insurance company when you file a claim for the accident.
Understanding your options after a hit-and-run accident
The time following a hit-and-run accident can be extremely challenging as you determine the best course of action for your case. The state of Louisiana mandates the purchase of uninsured motorist coverage to protect individuals from the financial burden of a hit-and-run accident. If you choose to file a claim with your insurance company, it is best to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable New Orleans car accident lawyer before speaking with an insurance adjustor. Without the benefit of counsel, your statements may bar or limit your compensation amount. At Minias Law, our clients can rest assured that they have years of insurance claim experience working on their behalf.