Edmond Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Edmond, OK

Many people who have been injured in a car accident might say the accident was one of the most traumatic events in their lives. It can be shocking and anger-inducing to be injured because of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, and when the person responsible for an accident flees the scene, it only adds insult to injury. If you have been injured by a driver who left the scene of your accident, you can pursue justice with the help of an Edmond hit-and-run accident lawyer.

Fulmer Sill – Edmond Personal Injury Lawyers

At Fulmer Sill, we stand apart from the rest because we approach every case we take with a team mentality. Rather than assigning each case to a single attorney and leaving everyone else out of it, we make a point to collaborate at every opportunity. This benefits our clients because they have our combined experience and knowledge behind them, rather than relying on a single lawyer to know and handle everything relevant to their case.

What Is a Hit-and-Run?

Any time a driver hits another car and simply drives away, regardless of whether there was an injury or only property damage, the incident is considered a hit-and-run. These accidents are not as rare as they should be, with an estimated total of 189,462 hit-and-runs causing injuries in the United States in 2022. In that same year, Oklahoma saw one fatal hit-and-run per 100,000 residents.

Drivers choose to leave the scene of an accident for a number of reasons, but a few of the most common are as follows: 

• The driver becomes frightened in the seconds after an accident, panics, and flees the scene.
• The driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and does not want to face the legal consequences of that choice.
• The driver was driving without a license or with a suspended license.
• The driver is uninsured or underinsured and wants to avoid the consequences of that.

Uninsured or underinsured drivers are more common than one might think. In fact, about 13.4% of motorists in Oklahoma are uninsured.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Edmond

If you are hit by another driver who proceeds to leave the scene of the accident without exchanging information or talking to police officers, the following are some steps you can take to protect yourself and try to get compensation for your injuries:

• Contact the authorities: You should report the car accident to law enforcement as soon as you are able. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, so the police are likely to launch an investigation immediately.
• Get witness contacts: If anyone saw the accident, you should get their name and contact information if you are able to safely gather it.
• Get camera footage: Many homes, businesses, and roadways have security cameras. If there are any cameras nearby that may have captured the accident, you should try to obtain the footage.

Getting Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Edmond, OK

When you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who fled the scene, it can make getting compensation for your losses somewhat complicated. If you do not know the identity of the driver, the first place to go for compensation is to your own insurance company. In Oklahoma, all car insurance policies are required to include coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists unless the policyholder has specifically waived this coverage in writing.

If you are able to determine the identity of the driver through police investigation or other means, you can approach the driver’s insurance company for compensation. If you are unable to get a satisfactory settlement from an insurance company, the next step is to file a personal injury claim against the other driver in the Oklahoma County District Court.

Why You Should Hire a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Hit-and-run accidents often involve an element of investigation, especially if the driver who caused the accident is not easy to identify. If you hire a hit-and-run accident attorney in Edmond, OK who has experience handling cases like these, you can have help through every step in the process. In addition to filing any necessary paperwork, your attorney can also act as an investigator on your behalf, talking to witnesses, looking through security camera footage, and following up with the police.

FAQs About Edmond, OK Hit and Run Accident Laws

What Compensation Can an Injured Person Get for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Edmond?

If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Edmond and you do not know the identity of the driver who hit you, your damages may be limited to the maximums that are outlined in your uninsured motorist policy. If you do know the identity of the other driver and you file a civil claim, you can recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Much Does a Hit-and-Run Lawyer Cost in Edmond?

The cost to hire an attorney to handle your hit-and-run case in Edmond can vary widely, even in a single city like Edmond. The cost of legal representation can be influenced by factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether or not it is possible to find the other driver.

What if My Insurance Company Offers Me a Low Settlement?

Insurance companies are businesses, and they want to save money. Therefore, it is likely that the first settlement offer from your insurance company may be significantly lower than the amount you need to cover your losses. Your attorney can help you by pushing back against this initial offer and negotiating for a more comprehensive settlement.

Can I File a Civil Claim in Edmond if There Is Already a Criminal Charge Against the Other Driver?

Yes. Civil actions, such as personal injury claims, are entirely separate from any criminal charges. If another driver fled the scene of an accident after injuring you, you are within your rights to file a civil claim against that person, even if criminal proceedings are already underway. Your attorney in Edmond can help answer any questions you may have about this.

Contact Fulmer Sill for a Consultation

If you need someone to advocate for justice on your behalf after a hit-and-run accident in Edmond or the surrounding area, the attorneys at Fulmer Sill are equipped and ready to help you. Contact us today to tell us about your case and find out what we can do for you.