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After a hit and run collision in Washington, DC, you need a DC car accident attorney who understands the challenges these types of car crashes can have. Our DC hit and run accident lawyers have extensive experience handling these complex cases. We work diligently to identify the responsible driver through traffic camera footage, witness statements, and collaboration with law enforcement. If the at-fault driver cannot be located, we’ll help you navigate insurance claims through your uninsured motorist coverage.
DC law requires all drivers to remain at accident scenes regardless of fault. When someone violates this law and leaves you injured, our hit and run attorneys will pursue every available avenue to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your hit and run case and learn how we can help you move forward.
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A DC hit and run accident attorney can help hit and run accident victims in the following ways:
Hiring an experienced hit and run accident attorney significantly increases your chances of recovering damages while allowing you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Past clients agree that you are treated like family at Regan Zambri Long. You can trust the expertise of our attorneys, which will reduce the enormous stress following a hit and run car accident. The initial consultation is free, and the attorneys do not collect a fee unless a settlement or verdict is reached in your favor.
Your first step is to stay calm and make sure everyone is ok. Take note of where the accident occurred and check to see if any security cameras may have captured the accident. If you could get a glance at the car that hit you, write down the color of the car, the make and model, and the license plate number. Note the car’s direction, or if you think it had any damage from the accident. For example, if the car hit you from behind, tell the police officers that they will look for a car that will most likely have damage to its front bumper. Be sure to include all information from eyewitnesses, as well.
The second step is to call the police and emergency services immediately. The police will begin the investigation into finding the other driver. They will speak to any eyewitnesses and generate a police report, which will be very important in your claim. If you speak to any witnesses, make sure to take down their contact information. Their testimony may be helpful during the claims process.
You must contact your insurance company to file a claim immediately. The statute of limitations to file a claim after a hit and run accident is three years. This may seem like a long time, but it’s always better to file a claim quickly so that facts and memories are fresh in your mind. Medical bills pile up quickly following a car accident, so the earlier you file a claim, the earlier you can receive compensation to help offset medical and property damage costs.
Finally, you should contact an experienced hit and run lawyer at Regan Zambri Long to help guide you through the personal injury claim process. Insurance companies are not known for handling claims in the best interest of their clients. You will speak to an adjuster after reporting the accident to your insurance agency. The adjuster’s job is to save as much money as possible for the insurance company. Many adjusters use manipulation tactics to keep compensation very low. The Regan Zambri Long attorneys understand the ins and outs of various insurance policies and are experts in Washington, DC law. They will work diligently to secure the maximum compensation for your case and help guide you to financial recovery. Call today for your free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
When you get into an accident with a hit and run driver, the insurance claims process is a little more complex. If the police find the driver, then you can file a claim with that driver’s insurance company. However, what happens if the driver is not found?
In Washington, DC, all motorists must carry uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance. If you get into a hit and run and the driver is not found, you may have to file an underinsured/uninsured claim with your insurance company.
This could be difficult, so speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer at Regan Zambri Long is best. Your lawyer will contact the insurance company after you do and let them know they are representing you. From there, the insurance company will know that any contact should be through your attorney, not with you directly. This allows you to rest, heal, and recover from the accident.
Your attorney will proceed to negotiate with the insurance company for the highest possible settlement, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional anguish. If the insurance company agrees to your lawyer’s demands, a settlement will be reached. If not, your attorney can file a suit in court.
One of the main reasons a hit and run driver flees the scene of an accident is that they were drinking and driving. Washington, DC has very strict laws regarding driving while intoxicated, including up to 90 days in jail, fines, and a revoked license.
Another reason people leave the scene of a car accident is that they are driving without a valid license or insurance. Washington, DC, fell into the top ten jurisdictions in the United States for people who drove without insurance in 2022. The driver may know they cannot pay for the damages without insurance coverage, so they decide to run instead.
Sometimes drivers flee because they have illegal drugs in their car, or are driving a stolen or borrowed car. Some drivers do not stop at the accident scene because they don’t believe the accident was their fault. This is why you must remain where you are following the accident.
Yes. There are two crimes the offender can be charged with after leaving the scene of an accident in Washington, DC. If the offender caused damage to your vehicle and then fled the scene, they can be charged with “leaving after colliding, property damage,” which has a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the hit and run accident caused an injury, then the individual would be charged with “leaving after colliding, personal injury,” which is up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The law states that the people involved in an accident must call the police after the crash and wait until the police arrive. This is why it is extremely important to remain at the scene of the accident and not try to chase after the driver who hit you.
There are three different types of damages you can recover from a hit and run accident in Washington, DC. The first is economic damages, which cover all expenses you incur from the accident, such as:
Non-economic damages are often called “intangible” since they have no set monetary value. However, they cause huge lifestyle changes and add pain to the victim’s life. They include:
In rare cases, you may receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the behavior of the at-fault party.
If you or someone you love is a victim of a hit and run accident, call 202-960-4596 to learn how the attorneys at Regan Zambri Long may be able to help you through these difficult times and seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Our consultations are free.
