Hit and Run Accidents

In Maryland, drivers involved in an auto accident that results in personal injuries or property damage must stop at or near the scene. When a driver flees the scene of the collision, it is known as a hit-and-run accident. Although the victims of hit-and-run accidents may feel as if they have no legal recourse against an unknown driver, there may be options available to cover their damages. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our Prince George’s County auto accident lawyers have significant experience representing injured victims against negligent drivers and insurance companies. We can provide the advice and resources you need to seek compensation for your losses after a hit-and-run accident.

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver fails to stop and provide required information after colliding with another vehicle or motorcycle, causing damage to real property, or hitting a pedestrian or bicyclist. Hit-and-run drivers often flee the scene of an accident to evade the consequences of their actions. They may have been drinking, for example, or driving without a valid license or auto insurance. Whatever the reason, technology such as video surveillance, dash cams, and other resources have made it easier to identify hit-and-run drivers in Prince George’s County. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to provide all of the information you have about the fleeing vehicle and driver to the police.

Although the driver may face charges for fleeing the scene of an accident, the criminal case will not adequately compensate you for any losses resulting from the accident. A personal injury attorney can explain your legal options following a hit-and-run accident and help you pursue the maximum amount of benefits allowed by law.

Hit-and-run accidents may cause serious injuries to the driver and passengers that require immediate or long-term medical treatment. Damages recoverable in a hit-and-run accident may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle repair and rental car expenses, and other losses. In many situations, damages arising from a hit-and-run accident may be covered by auto insurance, regardless of whether or not the driver is identified.

Cases in which the hit-and-run accident driver is identified will generally proceed like any other accident. You or your attorney may file a claim with the driver’s insurance company and negotiate a settlement amount that sufficiently compensates you for your losses. A successful insurance claim typically will include documentation of your damages, such as medical bills and records, and some evidence indicating that the hit-and-run driver was responsible for causing the accident. If you are not satisfied with the offer, or if your insurance claim is denied, you may bring a civil action against the insurance company and driver.

If the hit-and-run driver is never found, you may still seek compensation for your losses. In Maryland, drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist benefits cover accident-related personal injuries and property damage caused by uninsured drivers, as well as unidentified hit-and-run drivers. Many victims of hit-and-run accidents, therefore, are covered under their own auto insurance policy when the police are unable to locate the driver, or if the driver is eventually located, but uninsured. If your insurance company rejects your claim or is unwilling to settle for an acceptable amount, you may file suit in a court of law.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., we have the experience and dedication to get results for victims of hit-and-run accidents. Our Prince George’s County lawyers handle auto and motorcycle collisions and many other types of personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. We serve areas throughout Prince George's County, including Greenbelt, Laurel, Beltsville, Bowie, Chillum, Temple Hills, and Riverdale Park, as well as Montgomery County and Baltimore. Call Foran & Foran at (301) 441-2022 or contact us online and arrange your free consultation.