Maryland Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers Who Know How to Help
Contact our law firm to learn more about your potential legal options
Hit-and-run car accidents in Maryland can be overwhelming and upsetting. If you were injured in a collision caused by a driver who left the scene of the accident in Silver Spring or College Park, knowing what to do next can be confusing. That’s why our law firm wants to help.
For years, our hit-and-run accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan in Maryland have been helping injury victims fight for the compensation they deserve. We understand how the legal system works. We know how to deal with insurance companies. When you have our law firm on your side, we can help you get your life back on track.
How common are hit-and-runs?
Sadly, hit-and-run crashes are very common. Of the 109,389 car accidents that occur each year on average in Maryland, an estimated 6.6 percent are hit-and-run accidents, according to accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s roughly 7,219 hit-and-run collisions each year in Maryland or nearly 20 such accidents each day. These figures put Maryland near the top of the list of states with the most hit-and-run accidents nationwide. One study in particular ranked Maryland the 12th worst state for hit-and-run collisions.
Is it illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Maryland?
In Maryland, all drivers are required to stay at the scene of a car accident, even if no one was injured in the collision. All drivers involved in a collision are also legally required to share personal identification (driver’s license, insurance information, etc.) with the other driver. These rules can be found in Maryland Code, Public Safety 13A-1039.
Why do drivers flee the scene of crashes?
There are many reasons why drivers leave the scene of a car accident, including:
- Invalid driver’s license.
- No driver’s license.
- Driver does not have car insurance, which is required by law in Maryland.
- Criminal activity being committed by the driver, such as driving drunk or driving a stolen vehicle.
What should I do after a hit and run?
It’s important that you take certain steps right away after your hit-and-run accident:
- Don’t follow the driver who flees the scene of your accident. Hit-and-run drivers can be dangerous and unpredictable. Don’t put your life at risk.
- Call the police right away and tell them you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident.
- If someone saw your accident, get their name and contact information before they leave the scene of the accident. Eyewitness statements may help to identify the hit-and-run driver.
- Write down as much as you can remember about the car and driver who caused your accident.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, you could have a serious car accident injury and not even realize it.
- Take your doctor’s advice. Failure to do so could result in your recovery taking longer and your accident claim being denied.
- Call your insurance company and tell them you have been involved in a hit-and-run crash.
- Contact a Maryland car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I file a hit-and-run claim with my own insurance company?
Yes. This is because Maryland requires all drivers to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. The minimum amount of UM insurance coverage you have is:
- $30,000 per person for injuries.
- $60,000 per accident.
However, don’t be surprised if your insurance company gives you a hard time about your claim. That’s because many insurance companies only care about one thing – making money. As a result, your own insurance company might deny your injury claim.
Take back control. Contact our law firm
Hit-and-run accidents can be complicated, especially if you're having a hard time dealing with your insurance company. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run on your own. We can help.
Our attorneys understand the urgency and the complexity of your legal case. That’s why we promise to keep you informed and to be upfront and honest with you. If we think you should accept a settlement offer or file a lawsuit, we will tell you. We always say we give the same advice to clients we would give to family members.
Get the law firm you can trust. Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation. Our Silver Spring law firm handles accident claims and lawsuits throughout Maryland.