Dealing With Injuries After a Hit and Run Accident

Being injured in a hit and run accident could have lasting effects that could be life-changing for some. Serious injury victims often face a lifetime of costly medical treatments, painstaking rehabilitation, and difficult physical therapy sessions – not to mention the lost wages from missing work while recovering from injuries. This is why you should consult with a licensed attorney after sustaining an injury that was the result of a hit and run crash.

At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our experienced team of legal professionals has worked on more than 6,000 cases combined, which includes cases resulting from hit and run accidents. Our reputable firm has received over 600-plus five-star reviews, illustrating how much we value and strive to help our clients. If you or someone you care about was injured in a hit and run crash in Port St. Lucie, contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today to schedule a no-cost, initial consultation (by appointment only). 

Continue reading to learn more about dealing with injuries after a hit and run collision and how you could pursue financial compensation with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer from our firm. Taking certain steps to preserve the value of your claim could make a significant difference in the amount of compensation you are legally able to pursue. 

The Importance of Medical Treatment After a Hit and Run

After sustaining an injury as a result of a hit and run crash, the first thing you should do is see a doctor for a medical evaluation. Taking this important step has multiple upsides. First and foremost, it is better to see a doctor immediately, as seemingly minor injuries can worsen at a rapid rate if you decide to wait.

Secondly, if you avoid visiting a doctor, the insurance companies involved may deny or devalue your claim, saying that your injuries could have improved, had you received immediate medical attention. This means you will not be able to pursue the rightful amount of compensation you may legally deserve.

In addition, some insurance policies may have certain stipulations that require you to undergo a medical evaluation in the event of an accident if you wish to file an injury claim. Otherwise, you may be denied coverage for your medical expenses and will need to seek alternative forms of compensation or pay out-of-pocket. Hiring a quality lawyer on your side means he or she can negotiate with insurers on your behalf to ensure that your rights to seek compensation are protected. 

Preserving the Value of Your Claim

Sustaining a serious injury after a hit and run accident can often cause victims to feel helpless and not knowing where to turn. However, there are certain steps you and your loved ones can take to help preserve the value of your hit and run injury claim. Inquiring with an experienced lawyer at our firm could help you learn about your legal options and how you can hold the at-fault party liable for the full amount of compensation you may deserve.

While you may want to move on and avoid contacting the police after a hit and run crash, it is important to report it to the proper authorities and obtain a copy of the police report. The police can help ensure that you are safe from further harm, and they may provide certain details on the report that could ultimately help improve your chances of having a successful claim. 

If possible, take photos of your injuries immediately after the accident and during the recovery process. You should also take photos and/or video recordings of the accident scene, as well as any physical damages to all vehicles involved.  If you have a viable claim, these images could be submitted as valuable evidence to back your claim. 

Be sure to save all medical documentation related to your injuries, such as healthcare bills, diagnostic reports, prescription costs, assistive medical equipment expenses, and any other costs related to your condition. Preserving these documents could help you recover the funds you may need to make a full recovery.

You may also want to keep a personal medical journal to document any progress or setbacks regarding your condition. You should also include any significant periods when you may have suffered, physically and/or psychologically at the time of the crash, and during the recovery process. This too could be used as evidence of your pain and suffering. 

If you were injured in the crash, you should avoid posting comments and images of yourself on social media for a while, as anything you post could be used against you by the insurance companies. For example, if you were injured in a hit and run accident and suffered a broken leg. Posting what may seem like a harmless video or image of yourself walking or running normally, could be used against you later on.

How Can a Lawyer Help?

Having legal representation means that your lawyer can deal with the insurance agents and adjusters, opposing lawyers, and help you through the litigation process, so that you can focus on your recovery efforts. An experienced lawyer from our firm can review your claim during a no-cost initial consultation to determine whether you may have a legal right to pursue financial compensation. 

Sometimes, when a driver leaves the scene of an accident, it could be difficult to prove without the assistance of a legal professional. An experienced attorney will know what details to look for to help you gather evidence and back your claim.

If the case is complex and involves many intricate details, we may be able to hire an accident reconstructionist on your behalf. He or she could help determine the cause for the crash and who was to blame. The reconstructionist is a neutral party, who could be called to testify in court and help bolster your claim.

Another important advantage of hiring a knowledgeable lawyer from our firm is that we can help determine an accurate assessment of your damages. Since we have handled more than 6,000 cases combined, our distinguished attorneys have a great ability to calculate the value of an injury case. Once you decide to settle on your hit and run injury claim, you can no longer file another claim for the same injury. This is why it is critical to speak with a qualified attorney before agreeing to an early settlement offer from the insurance companies. 

Finally, one of the most important things to remember after sustaining an injury that was caused by a hit and run crash is your communication with insurance adjusters. While they may seem helpful and friendly, insurance adjusters are not your friends. 

Insurance agents are trained to look for any minor detail they can use as an excuse to lower the value of your claim. For instance, if you offer too much information about your condition or the accident, they may try to hold it against you later during the claims process. For example, if you tell them that you are “doing well,” then they may offer you less compensation saying that your injuries are not that severe. 

If you have a licensed lawyer on your side, he or she can communicate with the insurance adjusters on your behalf to help preserve the value of your hit and run injury claim. Our accomplished attorneys have extensive experience with state and local laws, along with negotiating with insurance adjusters to help you pursue the full and fair amount of compensation you may deserve. 

Learn Your Rights From a Legal Professional

While you may think you can handle your hit and run injury claim on your own, you could be selling yourself short. Hit and run accident victims who decide to hire an attorney, usually end up with higher compensation awards, compared to those who choose to forgo legal representation and represent themselves. Personal injury attorneys speak with insurance companies on a daily basis and are well-equipped to speak to them on their clients’ behalf.

Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options and put your best interests in the forefront. Our accomplished attorneys have amassed more than $100,000,000 combined in successful verdicts and settlements, on behalf of our past clients.

Do not wait to call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today to set up a free, first-time evaluation of your claim. There is no obligation needed and your personal information is kept private, so there is no risk in giving us a call today. Allow our friendly team of legal professionals to help you hold the at-fault party accountable for your damages. 

Give us a call anytime, 24/7  (561) 800-8000 or you fill out a free online form to get started.