Fairfax, VA Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Trusted Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Seeking Justice for Injured Victims in Fairfax, Virginia

A car accident can be a scary situation, and a person who has been struck by another driver may be disoriented and unsure about what steps they need to take. However, a situation can become even worse when the driver who caused an accident speeds away without stopping. Hit and run accidents may not only leave victims dealing with injuries, but they can also lead to uncertainty about how a person will pay for medical treatment and address other losses and damages. Fortunately, with the help of a skilled lawyer, an injury victim can take steps to obtain compensation, even if the at-fault driver cannot be located right away.

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., we work with people who have been injured in hit and run accidents in Fairfax and other nearby communities. Our attorney will provide honest guidance on the options that are available in these situations while attending to the needs of injury victims. He will take steps to identify every possible source of compensation that may be available, and he will fight to ensure that a victim will have the financial resources they need as they recover.

What Counts as a Hit and Run?

Any driver who is involved in an accident in which someone was injured or property was damaged is required to stop immediately, provide any assistance that may be needed, and give their identifying information to the other driver or anyone else involved in the collision. A driver who leaves the scene of an accident without completing all of their requirements could face criminal charges for committing a hit and run. They may also be held liable for the damages caused to other people involved in the accident.

Why a Driver May Flee the Scene of an Accident

People may fail to stop after accidents for a variety of reasons, including:

Fear of Criminal Consequences

A driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of a crash may flee in an attempt to avoid prosecution for DUI. In these situations, a person who is identified after leaving the scene may face criminal charges related to intoxicated driving and hit and run.

Lack of Insurance or a Valid Driver's License

A person may flee from an accident because they are uninsured or do not have a driver's license. Rather than face the consequences of driving without a license or without insurance, a person may try to run.

Outstanding Warrants or Other Legal Issues

A driver may be concerned that they will face consequences after an accident because they know about a warrant for their arrest. Immigration concerns may also cause drivers to flee to avoid being detained or deported. Other unrelated legal issues may lead a person to flee the scene of an accident in hopes that they can avoid financial losses.

Panic and Poor Judgment

Some drivers may panic in the moment after a collision, especially if they are young, inexperienced, or overwhelmed by what has happened. Panic does not excuse a person from stopping after an accident, but it may explain their actions. In some cases, a driver may turn themselves in after they have calmed down.

Belief That the Crash Was Minor

In some cases, a driver may believe that the damage caused by an accident was insignificant and that it is not necessary to stop. However, drivers will be required to meet the proper legal obligations after an accident, and they may face civil liability for injuries and damages they have caused.

Identifying a Hit and Run Driver

After a driver flees the scene of a collision, there may be ways to identify them and hold them responsible. Our attorney can take steps to find a negligent driver through methods such as:

Witness Statements

People who saw the crash, including other drivers, pedestrians, or nearby business owners, may have noticed details about the vehicle, such as its make, model, color, or license plate. Even a partial license plate number may be enough to identify the vehicle and find the owner.

Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage

Businesses near where a crash occurred may have captured information about the vehicle on security cameras. Traffic cameras at intersections may also capture footage that can be used to identify the license plate number or other details that may be used to identify a hit and run driver.

Debris and Paint

After a collision, broken parts left at the scene may be used to identify a vehicle. Paint transferred from one vehicle to the other can help determine the color of a vehicle. Looking for other vehicles in the area with damage consistent with the debris from an accident can help to identify the driver who fled.

Police Investigations

Law enforcement officers who respond to a hit and run accident will document the scene, and they may follow up on leads as they take steps to identify a driver who committed a criminal offense. They may match vehicles with witness descriptions or check local repair shops to see if they can find vehicles matching the damage that occurred in an accident.

Public Tips

In some cases, family members, neighbors, or others may come forward with information about a hit and run accident. Local news coverage or accounts of an accident on social media may lead people to leave tips that may be used to identify a driver who caused an accident.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Hit and Run Accidents

An auto insurance policy will typically include uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide protection for drivers and passengers in cases where a person who caused an accident does not have insurance. This coverage will apply in situations where the at-fault driver cannot be identified because they fled the scene of an accident.

An injured person can file a claim under their own auto insurance policy to address the damages they have suffered. However, certain requirements will need to be met in these cases. An accident will need to be reported to law enforcement promptly, and a police report documenting the hit and run will serve as important evidence supporting the claim. Our attorney can make sure the right steps are followed to ensure that the proper coverage will be provided.

Contact Our Fairfax, VA Hit and Run Accident Attorney

At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney can act quickly to protect the rights of an injury victim after a hit and run accident. Evidence such as security camera footage can be overwritten within days, and witnesses may be harder to locate as time passes. By taking the right steps to gather evidence, working with law enforcement to identify a hit and run driver, and assisting with uninsured motorist claims, our lawyer will work to ensure that an injury victim can receive the compensation they deserve. Contact our Fairfax hit and run car accident lawyer at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free consultation.