Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney In CT
There are few things more shocking than realizing that you've been hit by a car that's fled the scene. More than 10% of traffic accidents are hit-and-runs, leaving victims wondering how they can be compensated. Hit-and-run accident attorneys know how to collect money for victims of hit-and-run car crashes. You should call Attorney Einhorn at the Law Offices of Geoffrey T. Einhorn, LLC immediately if you've been injured in a hit-and-run accident, as filing deadlines and reporting requirements can be tight.
Report The Hit-and-Run Accident Immediately
The first thing to do is to try to take a photo or video of the car driving away, or to write down the plate number. The next step is to call the police. Provide the police with as much information about the event as possible. The police report will be important evidence for your case regardless of whether the fleeing driver is found. You must remember that police officers now wear body cameras that record all their interactions. These cameras record everything you say, your expressions, and everything you do. This footage may be admissible evidence for either party in a hit-and-run accident claim. Be mindful of your demeanor when interacting with a police officer. The next step is to call your insurance company. If the at-fault party has fled the scene and is untraceable, then your uninsured motorist coverage may come into play. After that, you need to call Attorney Einhorn to help you navigate the rest of the legal process.
Gather Evidence of the Hit-and-Run Accident
Take as many photos and videos as you can and take down the information of anyone who witnessed the accident. The following is a non-exhaustive list of things you should photograph or video: damage to your property, the road and immediate surroundings, and physical injuries sustained during the accident. You need to bring all this evidence you collected to your first appointment with Attorney Einhorn so he may review it.
Hit-and-Runs are Serious Crimes
People that leave the scene of accidents often have something they are trying to hide, which may be their driving under the influence or not carrying the proper insurance. Connecticut's "Evading Responsibility" Statute C.G.S. ยง 14-224 describes the penalties for drivers that leave the scene of an accident. A party fleeing from an accident that does not result in a death may face five years of jail time and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If the hit-and-run accident results in a death, the fleeing party may face a $20,000 fine and/or a twenty-year prison sentence. A criminal conviction of the fleeing party that caused your injury may strengthen your civil case against them. This allows Attorney Einhorn's job of proving the perpetrator's negligence much more streamlined.
Collecting Evidence to Show Damages
In order for Attorney Einhorn to recover as much compensation possible for you, you need to provide your hospital records, diagnostic testing reports, physical therapy notes, medical doctor exam notes, dates of hospital and/or doctor's visits, and any other relevant information. Most serious accidents will have operative reports, rehabilitation facility notes and other medical evidence of this nature. Always be mindful that intake sheets at medical offices are discoverable and may include treatments that are not part of a claim for accident damages. The more relevant information you give to Attorney Einhorn, the more compensation Attorney Einhorn can likely recover for you.