A hit-and-run accident in Bullhead City, Arizona, can leave an injured person with medical bills, car damage, and no clear way to recover payment. The situation can become even harder when the driver who caused the crash cannot be found.
A Bullhead City hit-and-run accident lawyer can investigate the crash and look for possible sources of insurance coverage. AJ Law, PLC helps injured people in Arizona seek compensation after serious car accidents. Call (602) 507-9901 today for a free consultation.
Why Choose AJ Law, PLC for a Hit & Run Accident Case in Bullhead City, AZ?
Hit-and-run cases in Bullhead City, AZ, can require a different approach from other car accident claims. The driver may be unknown, and the injured person may need to seek payment through their own insurance policy. AJ Law, PLC focuses on personal injury cases such as these.
Our Bullhead City car accident lawyers can help by:
- Investigating the crash
- Looking for evidence that may identify the driver
- Reviewing available insurance coverage
- Gathering medical and financial records
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Seeking payment for the client’s losses
A hit-and-run investigation can depend on evidence that disappears quickly. Starting early may help protect video, witness accounts, and other useful proof. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Bullhead City personal injury attorney.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run happens when a driver leaves the accident scene without meeting their legal duties. Arizona law requires drivers involved in certain crashes to stop and provide information.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-663, a driver involved in a qualifying crash must provide information such as their name, address, and vehicle registration number. The driver must also show a driver’s license when asked and provide reasonable help to an injured person.
Leaving the scene can result in criminal penalties. It can also make it harder for an injured person to identify the driver and file an insurance claim.
What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Your actions after the crash may help protect your health and your claim. If possible, move to a safe place and call the police.
Other useful steps include:
- Get medical care for your injuries
- Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle
- Take photos of the scene and vehicle damage
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Look for nearby security or traffic cameras
- Report the crash to your insurance company
- Keep medical bills and other accident records
- Contact a Bullhead City car accident attorney
Even part of a license plate number or a description of the vehicle may help an investigation.
Do not put yourself in danger by chasing the other driver. Police and other investigators can use the available evidence to try to identify them.
How Can a Hit-and-Run Driver Be Found?
Some hit-and-run drivers are identified after the accident. Police reports, witnesses, cameras, and physical evidence may help connect a vehicle or driver to the crash.
Useful evidence may include:
- Security camera footage
- Dash camera recordings
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Vehicle descriptions
- Partial or complete license plate numbers
- Debris left at the scene
- Paint transferred between vehicles
Nearby homes and businesses may have cameras that recorded the crash or the vehicle leaving the area.
Video may be erased or recorded over after a short time. This makes it important to look for camera footage soon after the accident.
What if the Hit-And-Run Driver Is Never Found?
You may still have options if the driver cannot be identified. Your own auto insurance may provide coverage for the accident. Arizona insurers must offer uninsured motorist coverage, although a policyholder may reject it in writing. This coverage can apply in some hit-and-run cases.
Uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for injuries caused by a driver who cannot be found. The amount available depends on the policy and the facts of the crash. Your own insurance company may still investigate the claim and dispute fault or damages. Having your own insurer does not mean every part of the claim will be accepted without question.
What Compensation May Be Available?
A hit-and-run accident claim may seek payment for the losses caused by the crash. The amount available depends on the injuries, insurance coverage, and other facts.
Compensation may include economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Lasting injuries or disability
- Other accident-related losses
Property damage may be covered under a separate part of an auto policy. Medical records, wage records, bills, and other documents can help show the value of the claim.
How Does Arizona Comparative Fault Affect a Hit-and-Run Claim?
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule. An injured person can still recover damages when they share some fault for an accident. Their payment is reduced based on their share of fault. For example, a person who is 20% at fault may have their damages reduced by 20%.
An insurer may argue that the injured person helped cause the crash even when the other driver fled. Evidence from the accident scene can help show how the collision occurred.
How Long Do You Have To File a Hit-And-Run Lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona generally gives an injured person two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Other deadlines may apply to insurance claims or cases involving government bodies. The correct deadline depends on the facts of the case.
Waiting can also make a hit-and-run case harder to investigate. Witnesses may become difficult to locate, and video or other evidence may disappear.
Contact the Firm To Speak With a Bullhead City Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
A driver leaving the scene does not always mean an injured person has no way to seek payment. Evidence may help identify the driver, and uninsured motorist coverage may provide another source of compensation in Bullhead City, AZ.
A Bullhead City hit-and-run accident attorney at AJ Law, PLC can investigate the crash, review available insurance, and help you seek payment for your losses. Contact the firm to discuss your legal options after a hit-and-run accident.
