Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Virginia Beach

Hit-and-run car crashes occur when a motorist hits another car, person, cyclist, or object with their vehicle and leaves the scene without stopping. Drivers are legally responsible for stopping, providing necessary help, and exchanging information with everyone involved.

Information includes their name, phone number or other contact information, and auto insurance details. All collisions create stress and frustration, and that is particularly true when someone fails to stop. Contact a qualified car accident attorney for more information about hit and run car accidents in Virginia Beach.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Hit-and-Run Car Crashes

Auto insurance statutes require insurance companies selling policies to automatically provide an endorsement or provisions to cover the damages from collisions with uninsured motorists. Fortunately, it also protects motorists after crashes with drivers who fail to stop as state laws require. Gathering the relevant documentation to support the claim can help during the recovery claims process, including:

• The police officer’s accident report
• Photos capturing the vehicle damage and the accident scene
• Witness statements and contact information, if applicable
• Medical records and hospital bills

The individual must also report the accident to their insurer to begin the claims process promptly.

Insurance Company Communication

Talking directly with auto insurance company representatives can be complex, and the adjuster could misperceive an innocent statement, reducing the potential payout amount. An experienced car crash attorney in Virginia Beach could handle the communication with insurers to protect the injured driver’s interests and ensure they obtain a fair settlement after a hit-and-run accident.

The Potential Consequences

Residents and visitors traveling on state roads or highways must know and adhere to the safety and traffic regulations. The Code of Virginia § 46.2-894 governs the guidelines and describes the duties of anyone involved in vehicle collisions resulting in injury, death, or damage to attended property. The responsibilities of drivers following crashes include the following:

• Duty to stop: Drivers must stop immediately at the accident scene or as close as possible without creating hazardous conditions or obstructing the flow of traffic
• Duty to provide information: They must give other drivers and police officers arriving at the scene their name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration information
• Duty to render aid: Drivers must provide reasonable assistance to anyone with bodily injuries without placing themselves or others at risk of harm, including basic first aid, calling for emergency medical assistance, or transporting them to the nearest hospital

Guilty convictions will result in a Class 5 felony on their permanent criminal record for cases involving fatal injuries or damages of more than $1,000. Convictions for accidents involving $1,000 or less in damages will result in a Class 1 misdemeanor and penalties.

A lawyer skilled with cases resulting from Virginia Beach hit-and-run accidents could review the regulations and answer questions about obtaining compensation to cover their damages and losses.

Call an Attorney Today for Help After Virginia Beach Hit-and-Run Car Accidents

Drivers who fail to stop at a collision scene can leave you bewildered and furious. Fortunately, you have options for collecting a payment to cover your losses even if the authorities cannot locate the other party.

A seasoned lawyer skilled in handling cases resulting from hit-and-run car accidents in Virginia Beach could help you through the process and handle insurance company communication on your behalf. Call today for more information and to schedule an appointment to discuss your case and options. Visit The Law Firm of Carlton F. Bennett, PLLC website for testimonials and information about our history of successful verdicts.