Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is devastating for many reasons.
First, you may have suffered serious injuries that keep you out of work and require expensive medical treatments. Second, it’s difficult to get compensation when you can’t hold the missing negligent driver liable for your damages. And finally, it’s emotionally devastating to know that someone harmed you and simply left the scene without calling 911 or even checking if you and your loved ones are okay.
The New Orleans hit-and-run accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier know how physically and emotionally painful these crashes can be. We work hard to help victims get the compensation and emotional support they need to move forward with their lives. If you were injured in a hit-and-run, contact us today for a free case review.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Can Result in Serious Injuries
Like all types of auto accidents, hit-and-run accidents can cause devastating injuries. But when hit-and-runs are caused by impaired or aggressive drivers, the injuries can be even more severe, as the drivers may not slow down or attempt to avoid a collision. This can result in a stronger impact and worse injuries.
Common injuries associated with hit-and-run accidents include:
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Crush Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD
Understanding Hit-and-Run Laws in Louisiana
In Louisiana, all crashes involving injury or death to a person or at least $500 in damages must be reported to police right away. In addition, in crashes where a person was injured, all parties should remain at the scene until police arrive. When a person leaves the scene too early—or without stopping at all—it can be considered a hit-and-run accident.
The penalties for a hit-and-run driver if caught can be severe:
- Misdemeanor Charges: If the accident results in no deaths or serious bodily injuries, the driver may face a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
- Felony Charges: If the accident leads to death or serious bodily injury, and the driver knew or should have known about these outcomes, the driver can face fines of to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
- Enhanced Penalties: In cases where the driver consumed alcohol or a controlled substance prior to the accident, and this consumption contributed to the accident, the law mandates a minimum imprisonment of 10 days, with the possibility of up to six months, along with fines up to $500.
The Unique Challenges of Hit-and-Run Cases
There are many challenges associated with hit-and-run cases, including:
- Identifying the driver
- Stress and uncertainty of where to get compensation
- Possibly inadequate insurance coverage through your own UM/UIM policy
- Injured drivers having previously opted out of UM/UIM, collision coverage, or MedPay
Thankfully, you don’t have to handle the complicated and stressful aftermath of a hit-and-run accident alone. With the car accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier on your side, you’ll get peace of mind knowing an experienced legal team is working hard on your behalf to help you get maximum compensation.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The aftermath of a car accident is a confusing time. It can be difficult to know what to do in order to protect your health and your right to compensation. And when the driver who hit you fled the scene, the confusion is often even greater.
Essential steps to take after any crash, including a hit-and-run accident, include:
- Move to safety and call 911.
- Gather evidence at the scene.
- Seek medical treatment right away.
- Notify your auto insurance company of the crash.
- Speak with a New Orleans car accident lawyer.
Our Accident Lawyers Can Help
It’s common to feel hopeless after a hit-and-run accident, especially when the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found. However, you still have options for getting compensation. With Dudley DeBosier on your side, you’ll get an experienced legal team that knows how to:
- Investigate the incident while working with law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver
- Prove liability and damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Negotiate with insurers to get you maximum compensation
We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why you won’t pay us upfront. Our fee is contingent on outcome, which ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you need.
After a Hit-and-Run, Contact Us
At Dudley DeBosier, we work hard to give hope to people who otherwise may feel hopeless. Few accidents create this feeling more than hit-and-run accidents, but we want you to know that we have the experience, resources, and track record of success you need to get full and fair compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward with your life.
