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. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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, they don’t help you pay for the financial fallout of your injuries. You’re facing medical bills, lost income, and sometimes long-term care. In many cases, the cost is higher, as families who lose a loved one in a hit-and-run have the sudden burden of funeral expenses and loss of financial support added to their unimaginable grief.
Regardless of whether the driver is charged, convicted, or even if they’re never found, our team is here to handle the legal and financial aspects so you can heal and grieve your losses. Our goal is to help you obtain the compensation you need through negotiations with the insurance company or, if necessary, a civil lawsuit.
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.
What if the Driver is Never Found
In Baton Rouge, finding a hit-and-run driver can be challenging, especially in high-traffic areas or during major events. On LSU game days, many thousands of fans, out-of-town drivers, and rideshare vehicles descend upon the city. With the road congestion we so often see in areas like Highland Road, Nicholson Drive, and everywhere around Tiger Stadium, vehicles become harder to track down and may slip away before being identified. As we mentioned, even if the at-fault driver is never found, it doesn’t mean you are left to handle the financial burden alone.
Our Baton Rouge car accident lawyers can help you review your policies to identify possible coverage, including UM/UIM and MedPay, and prove that a hit-and-run occurred even if the driver is never found.
We also negotiate with insurers that may try to deny or reduce your claim and build a strong case using police reports, witness statements, traffic video footage, and a detailed analysis of the damage to your vehicle. Hit-and-run accidents are complicated, but they are not impossible to handle with the proper legal guidance on your side.
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.
With recent changes, such as Senate Bill 231, which limits recoverable medical expenses to the actual amounts paid, having experienced legal counsel is more important than ever for pursuing damages.
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.
After a hit-and-run accident in Baton Rouge, the most crucial step of all the ones above is getting medical care. Your health and safety should be your top priority. It’s critical to seek care at one of our trusted medical centers.
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center on Hennessy Boulevard is our only Level I adult trauma center. They can offer comprehensive emergency care and surgical care when injuries are serious.
Just across town is Baton Rouge General Medical Center. They operate multiple ER locations, including emergency rooms at Bluebonnet, Mid City, and Ascension, making emergency care accessible across the metro area. Getting help immediately at any of these locations will protect your health and support your legal claim.
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 car accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a hit-and-run can take on you and your family. From handling complex insurance claims to gathering critical evidence and building a strong case, we handle the legal challenges so you can focus on healing.
We understand that every case is different, and every client’s story is unique and deserves our personalized attention. We take the time to listen, evaluate your legal options, and fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our goal is to give you peace of mind and help you move forward with confidence.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you—even when the at-fault driver is never found.
