Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Maryland

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Hit-and-run accidents can leave car accident victims shaken and unsure of what to do next. Data shows that Maryland has a hit-and-run accident rate of 0.42 per 100,000 inhabitants. While this is much lower than states such as New Mexico, Nevada, and Florida (which had rates of 1.48, 1.1, and 1 respectively), hit-and-runs still remain a safety and legal concern in Maryland.

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, you could be left with serious injuries, accumulating medical expenses, lost income, and the frustration of dealing with a car accident claim. To make the process as simple as possible, read on to find out what to do and how a Maryland car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Why do hit-and-run accidents happen in Maryland?

Hit-and-run accidents occur for various reasons, often driven by fear, negligence, or a lack of responsibility. Common reasons include:

Fear of legal consequences: Drivers may flee the scene to avoid penalties such as fines, jail time, or the suspension of their license. This is especially common if the driver is uninsured, has outstanding warrants, or is driving with a suspended license.
Driving under the influence: Intoxicated drivers may leave the scene to avoid DUI charges. Fear of being caught and tested for alcohol or drugs often outweighs their sense of responsibility.
Distracted driving or inattention: A driver who is distracted may not even realize they caused a car accident. In other cases, they might notice and choose to flee rather than stop and take responsibility.
Emotional state: Fear, shock, or panic in the moment of a car accident can cloud judgment. This can lead some drivers to leave the crash scene impulsively.

What should you do immediately after a hit-and-run accident?

Your safety and well-being should be your top priority after a hit-and-run accident. Here are some steps you can take to protect your health and your right to seek compensation:

Move to a safe location: If your vehicle is operable, pull over to a safe spot away from traffic to prevent further accidents and reduce the risk of harm.
Check for injuries: Assess your physical condition and check on passengers. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. During this time, you should also move your vehicle out of the line of traffic if possible.
Call for help: Contact the police even if injuries are not immediately apparent. Maryland law requires reporting car accidents that result in injury, death, or significant property damage. A police officer can evaluate the crash scene and create an official report.
Document the hit-and-run scene: Take pictures of the crash scene, including damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries you sustained. Also, get contact information from witnesses, ask them what they saw, and ask if they captured the hit-and-run on a dashcam. Also, note the time, date, and location of the crash, as well as weather conditions and traffic flow.
Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical care as soon as possible. Some injuries (e.g., whiplash or internal trauma) might not show symptoms right away. A prompt evaluation ensures your health and provides documentation of any injuries.
Report to your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the hit-and-run as soon as possible. Provide the police report and any evidence you gathered to support your claim.

What information should I gather about the fleeing vehicle?

While the driver may have fled, any details you remember can be key to identifying the responsible party and aiding the investigation. Try to document as much information as possible right after the incident while your memory is fresh. This includes:

The vehicle description: Write down key details such as the make, model, color, and any unique features of the other vehicle. Dents, stickers, custom paint, or modifications can make the car easier to identify.
License plate: Even partial license plate numbers or letters can be helpful. Combined with other details, they help narrow down potential matches in police databases.
Direction of travel: Note the direction in which the fleeing vehicle was headed after the crash. Mention specific streets, landmarks, or intersections to provide a clear idea of their route.
Additional observations: If you noticed anything about the driver, write it down. This can be their appearance, behavior, or whether they seemed distracted. Also, note any nearby surveillance cameras that may have recorded the crash.

Who pays for my damages after a hit-and-run accident in Maryland?

If police are able to identify the hit-and-run driver, the insurance company for that driver would be responsible for paying for your damages (assuming the driver is insured). However, insurance companies don’t readily provide crash victims with full compensation. They may use arguments and tactics to keep their costs down, including downplaying your injuries.

Insurance companies may also offer a quick, lowball settlement in hopes that you’ll accept it out of frustration and financial desperation. It’s important to remain patient and let an experienced Maryland car accident attorney determine the true value of your claim and negotiate for a maximum settlement.

Can I seek compensation if I can't identify the hit-and-run driver?

You can seek compensation even if the hit-and-run driver remains unidentified, thanks to Maryland’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Maryland law requires drivers to carry UM coverage as part of their auto insurance policies.

This coverage is specifically designed to protect you in situations such as collisions with uninsured drivers and hit-and-run accidents, where the responsible driver can’t be found. Unlike a tort claim where you would seek damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you would turn to your own insurance provider to cover your damages.

Maryland UM coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle. However, to successfully file a UM claim, you’ll need to provide evidence that the hit-and-run crash occurred. This is where you’ll need to take immediate action after the hit-and-run. That includes obtaining a copy of the official report and gathering any available evidence to strengthen your claim.

If your insurance provider denies your claim or offers inadequate compensation, an experienced Maryland car accident lawyer can review your policy, help gather additional evidence, and advocate for a fair settlement.

Don’t wait to get help from a Maryland hit-and-run attorney

Being involved in a hit-and-run can be frustrating, and the aftermath can feel unfair, especially if the at-fault driver can’t be identified. The Maryland attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan understand the challenges hit-and-run victims face and are here to fight for your rights.

With over $150 million recovered for injury victims, our dedicated Silver Spring car accident lawyers have extensive experience handling a variety of car accident claims and the case results to prove it. For example:

$4.975 million settlement to the family of a victim of a fatal car accident.
$1.5 million verdict for a client seriously injured in a crash.

Whether you’re seeking compensation from the other driver’s insurance company or your own, our legal team can guide you through the claims process and maximize the value of your claim. Contact us online or call us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward rebuilding your life.

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