Van Dyke Law, LLC’s Connecticut and Massachusetts hit-and-run accident lawyer has handled numerous wrongful death matters and injury claims involving incidents where the liable party who caused the accident leaves the victim abandoned and helpless at the scene.
There are few things as awful as a car accident, but sometimes an accident is made more traumatic and deplorable by a person who simply takes off after the accident, without regard for your injuries or any property damage. This can be extremely dangerous in severe accidents when only a matter of minutes can save an accident victim. If you have been a victim of a hit and run accident, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries.
Hit and Run Accidents
There are few accidents that enrage the public as much as hit and run accidents throughout city streets. It is therefore fairly easy to find the person responsible for the accident since news agencies often post details of the accident, especially in cases of serious injuries or fatalities.
While hit and run accidents are typically brought in criminal court on charges such as “failure to render aid,” they can additionally be brought in civil court to provide a way for the victim to receive compensation for any injuries. While the driver may not be convicted in criminal court, civil court offers victims another chance to hold the driver responsible. Civil court has a lower burden of proof for the victim. Criminal court requires the state to prove that the driver is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” while civil court only requires the prosecution to prove that the driver was responsible for the accident “by a preponderance of the evidence.” This is often easier to prove and therefore you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
Hit and run accidents are often car accidents, but can involve other cars, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Therefore, hit and run accidents can quickly become quite severe based on the mode of transportation of the other person. Unfortunately, pedestrians are most at risk of a hit and run accident at nighttime. Many times, the driver of a car involved in a hit and run is either inebriated or distracted and does not realize they hit someone until it is too late. At this point, they do not want to risk jail time or a ticket and leave the scene of the accident.
As a victim of a hit and run accident, you can receive compensation for any injuries sustained in the accident, such as:
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spine injuries
- Burns
- Internal injuries
Van Dyke Law, LLC’s Connecticut and Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one were involved in a hit and run accident, you understand the seriousness of the injuries and the accident itself. However, you do not need to be responsible for all medical bills and any lost wages. The person who left the scene of the accident should be held accountable for their actions in both criminal court and civil court. Van Dyke Law, LLC’s Connecticut and Massachusetts hit-and-run accident lawyer is well experienced in handling personal injury actions such as hit and runs, and our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact our West Hartford, Glastonbury, or Enfield office today for your initial free consultation.