Portland Hit and Run Accidents Lawyer
If you are ever involved in a car accident–even a minor fender bender–you are expected to stop, remain at the scene, and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. This is not simply a courtesy. It is a legal requirement. Indeed, if someone intentionally leaves the scene of an accident where someone has been injured, they can be charged with a criminal offense.
Unfortunately, there are far too many cases where drivers flee the scene, often out of panic or a desire to avoid getting into trouble. This leaves the accident victims struggling for answers. They need to know who to hold responsible for their injuries, or what steps they should take if the driver is never identified. A qualified Portland hit & run accident lawyer can help you in finding some answers. The personal injury team at Rosenbaum Law Group, PC, represents accident victims in fighting for the compensation they are entitled to under the law, whether it is from the still-unknown driver or even the victims’ own insurance company.
What Are Your Options for Seeking Compensation After a Hit and Run?
By some estimates, there is a hit-and-run accident an average of every one minute in the United States. There are many reasons cited for drivers fleeing the scene without stopping to render aid. Some of the more common excuses include the driver lacking insurance, having an outstanding arrest warrant, or they knew they were committing some other crime like drunk driving.
If you are injured in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to notify law enforcement as soon as possible. While the police may not be able to actually identify the hit-and-run driver, you still need an official accident report to preserve certain claims with your own insurance company. It is also important that you notify your car insurer and advise them that you were injured in a hit and run accident. An accident report can also assist you in conducting your own investigation into what happened by providing you with valuable information.
Should you ultimately identify the hit and run driver, you can file a claim against their insurance company for your damages. But if the driver is never found–or they are but lack sufficient insurance to cover your losses–then you can seek compensation from your own insurer. Oregon law requires all auto insurance policies to include a minimum amount of uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage. This basically means that your insurance company is responsible for providing coverage when a negligent driver cannot.
Of course, anytime you deal with an insurance company–whether it’s your own or that of the hit and run driver–adjusters will try and get you to accept a low settlement offer. This is where working with a qualified Portland hit and run accident attorney can prove invaluable. We know all of the insurance company’s tactics, and we will help protect your best interests during any settlement talks.
Contact Rosenbaum Law Group Today
The moments after a hit and run accident are often disorienting. Even if you are not seriously injured, you will no doubt be questioning who hit you and what you can do about it. Let us help. If you need to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney, contact Rosenbaum Law Group, PC, today to schedule a free initial consultation.
