A hit and run accident is also known as an accident in which another driver leaves the scene of the crash. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Minnesota. Drivers who have been involved in an accident have a duty to stop, render aid to accident victims, and to exchange information with the other driver. Drivers may also have a legal obligation to report the accident to police if there is property damage or if another person was injured in the accident.
Have you or has someone you love been hurt in a hit and run accident in Minneapolis, Minnesota? Even if the other driver is never identified or apprehended, you may have important rights under the law. For example, Minnesota is a no-fault state when it comes to insurance benefits. This means that your insurance company may need to pay for damages you suffer up to the limits of your policy, whether or not the other driver is identified. However, if the other driver is identified and was at fault for the accident, you may be able to make a claim against their insurance or may be able to seek damages from the driver directly for their negligence. A hit and run accident can leave victims suffering from serious injuries, can leave them facing missed time from work, and pain and suffering. If you have questions about your rights after a Minneapolis, Minnesota hit and run accident, reach out to the car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino today. Our firm may be able to assist you with your insurance claim, may be able to help you seek damages from the responsible driver if he or she is apprehended, and may be able to assist you with navigating the next steps.
How You Can Protect Your Rights After a Minneapolis Hit and Run Accident
In the stress following a hit and run accident, it can be difficult to know what you should do next. You might feel helpless and alone, and may be facing high expenses as a result of your accident. There are steps you can take to protect your rights. Whatever you do, don’t try to pursue the driver that is fleeing the scene. This can put you in danger, put you at risk of another crash, and can complicate matters because you will also be fleeing the scene. Instead, stay put, and call the police. Police officers are trained to investigate the accident scene and can take steps to apprehend the driver that fled.
You can also do things at the scene of the accident to protect yourself and your rights. The moments right after a crash are when your memory of the events that took place will be freshest. Do you remember the make and model of the car that fled the scene? Did you get a glimpse of the physical description of the other driver? Did you see the license plate number? Writing down these details can be important later when identifying the other driver. Did you see how the other vehicle was damaged or where it was damaged? Did other people at the scene of the crash see what happened?
You may also want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a car accident takes place. Many insurance companies require drivers to let them know an accident took place so they can begin to process the claim. Under Minneapolis law, even if the other driver in the hit and run accident isn’t found, your insurance’s no fault policy may be able to cover your damages. Have questions about what your claim might be worth? Is the settlement you have been offered lower than what you think you deserve? The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a car accident law firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota that may be able to assist you with negotiating your insurance settlement. Our lawyers can discuss your claim with adjusters and fight to help you get the settlement you may deserve.
A hit and run accident can limit your settlement options because if the other driver isn’t identified, you’ll likely only be able to make a claim against your insurance policy. However, if the other driver is apprehended, you may be able to seek damages from the driver or his or her insurance. The car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino in Minneapolis, Minnesota may be able to help you.
Protect Your Rights
Victims of hit and run accidents have rights. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a car accident law firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota that may be able to assist you with seeking damages and with making an insurance claim. Contact us today, or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with one of our lawyers today.