Gillette Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys
The Dangers of a Gillette Hit-and-Run Collision
Following a car accident, we all expect to share our information with the other driver so we can begin the claims process, get our medical bills covered, and have our vehicles repaired. Unfortunately, not every driver follows these procedures. Some may drive off without a single word. Maybe because they think the collision was minor, they do not have insurance, or their license was expired. Whatever their excuse may be, a hit and run can absolutely devastate your life and make it difficult to cover your medical bills.
But you still have options. With a skilled and knowledgeable Gillette hit-and-run accident attorney at your side, you may be able to find the at-fault driver to receive compensation, or file a claim with your own insurance. At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., we have years of experience investigating car accidents and successfully filing car accident claims. If you choose to work with us, we can vigorously advocate for compensation on your behalf. To discuss your case in a free consultation, call a Gillette injury lawyer at (307) 257-7800.
Wyoming Car Accident Laws
Under Wyoming state law, it is illegal for any driver to leave the scene of an accident without providing assistance to other drivers or injured pedestrians. Drivers are also required to contact the police if there was a serious injury or property damage, so they can file a traffic collision report. If either driver fails to follow these steps, then they can be charged with a crime.
Most drivers flee the scene of an accident because they are at fault for the collision, either because they were driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or because they were texting while driving. But while driving negligently can make a driver liable for your injuries and compensation, leaving an accident without helping only worsens the situation. If a victim is heavily injured, it may be hours before he or she receives medical aid, putting the victim at risk of dying.
Can I File a Claim?
If you are involved in a Gillette hit-and-run crash, you should immediately contact the local authorities to receive medical aid and to fill out an accident report. In addition, if you are able to, speak to any witnesses and take photos of the accident. They may be able to help you identify the driver, especially if they saw the at-fault car’s license plate. All of these details should be provided to the police so they can begin an investigation.
You should also not hesitate to get medical care for your injuries. You may be afraid of paying expensive medical bills, but you may be able to cover these costs with an auto accident claim. Getting early treatment can also help you heal faster and minimize your long-term costs.
Finding a hit-and-run driver is difficult, but not impossible. If you can track down the driver, you may be able to file a claim against their insurance policy, if they caused the collision. With a police report, witness statements, and your medical records, you may be able to make a strong case for compensation.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Unfortunately, not every hit-and-run driver is caught, and you may be worried about how to cover your medical bills. However, Wyoming state law requires every driver to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. These policies are designed to cover accidents where the other driver does not have insurance, but they also apply to hit-and-run collisions. If you are injured in a hit and run, you can file an UM accident claim with your own insurance company to recover compensation.
UM policies must legally match the minimum amount of liability insurance you have for your car. For Wyoming drivers, the minimum policy is:
- $25,000 for a single person’s injuries
- $50,000 for two or more people’s injuries
While it is not required, you may also add on uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) to help you get your car repaired if the other driver is not identified. However, it is still an uphill battle to file a claim.
How Our Gillette Car Accident Lawyers Can Represent You
When you file an auto accident claim after a hit and run, you ultimately have to deal with an insurance company. Because these companies make money by denying claims or minimizing coverage, you may find yourself in a difficult situation if you contact an insurance company on your own. You may desperately want to get your medical bills paid as quickly as possible, but you should never accept a lowball settlement offer.
Instead of filing a claim on your own, contact a Gillette car accident attorney at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. With our law firm at your side, you can advocate for full compensation for your injuries. In addition, we can investigate your crash to identify the at-fault driver or provide legal representation when dealing with your own insurance company. To schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced trial attorney, contact our firm at (307) 257-7800.
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