A hit-and-run accident can leave you seriously injured and feeling shocked and overwhelmed. It’s hard enough to recover physically and emotionally after a crash—but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, it adds another layer of stress and uncertainty.
At Dudley DeBosier, we believe that no one should have to face this kind of situation alone. Our Baton Rouge car crash lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal system, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run accident.
What Louisiana Law Says About Hit-and-Runs
Under Louisiana law, hit-and-run driving is defined as “the intentional failure of the driver of a vehicle involved in or causing any accident, to stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident, to give his identity, and to render reasonable aid.” The law specifically requires drivers to provide their name, address, and vehicle license number, or report the accident to police.
The penalties for hit-and-run vary based on the circumstances:
- When No Death or Serious Injury Occurs: The offense is punishable by a fine up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, penalties increase to include a minimum of 10 days imprisonment.
- When Death or Serious Bodily Injury Occurs: The driver faces fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to 10 years. If the driver has prior DUI convictions or other serious traffic offenses, penalties can increase to 5-20 years imprisonment.
While these criminal penalties may bring a sense of justice, your immediate concern is more likely recovering from your injuries and how to pay your bills in the meantime—our goal is to help you get the compensation you need through negotiations with insurance or a civil lawsuit if necessary.
How Hit-and-Run Cases Differ From Other Accidents
Hit-and-run crashes present unique challenges compared to other collisions. Beyond physical injuries, you may be dealing with:
- Emotional trauma, frustration, and uncertainty about what comes next
- Challenges working with law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver
- Insurance complications, especially if you declined uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, collision coverage, or MedPay
Even if the at-fault driver is never located, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Navigating these complex claims without experienced legal help can significantly reduce your chances of receiving fair compensation. That’s where our Baton Rouge car accident lawyers step in.
Expenses You May Face After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Hit-and-run victims often face serious injuries that require extensive and expensive treatment, including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal injuries
You may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages, both current and future if you’re unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and emotional trauma
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
We pursue both special damages (quantifiable losses like medical bills) and general damages (non-economic losses like pain and suffering) to account for the full scope of your injuries.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run, taking these steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Move to a safe location to avoid further harm.
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help.
- Document the scene—take photos of your vehicle and injuries, record videos of the conditions at the scene of the accident, and gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Note any details you remember about the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, license plate characters).
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
- Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Contact a car accident lawyer who can start building your case right away.
Dudley DeBosier Is Here to Help
At Dudley DeBosier, we understand how painful and confusing a hit-and-run accident can be. That’s why we work quickly and aggressively to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Our legal team can:
- Investigate the crash, working alongside law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver
- Gather evidence and document your losses to strengthen your claim
- Identify all possible sources of compensation, including your own insurance coverage
- Negotiate with insurance companies to recover the compensation you’re entitled to
- Represent you in court, if necessary, to hold the responsible party accountable
We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why you won’t pay us anything upfront. Our fee is contingent on securing compensation for you, which ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you the financial support you need.
Contact Our Team Today
You didn’t ask to be put in this situation—but you don’t have to face it alone. The Baton Rouge lawyers at Dudley DeBosier are here to help you move forward with confidence after a hit-and-run accident.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for the justice you deserve.
