Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be terrifying. One minute you’re just driving, walking, or biking through Southaven, and the next, you’re left injured and confused as the responsible driver speeds away. What do you do next? Will the driver be caught? How will I pay my medical expenses? The personal injury lawyers at Taylor Jones Taylor have answers.
What is a hit-and-run?
Hit-and-run accidents happen when the at-fault driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to provide contact info, help any injured people, or notify law enforcement. Mississippi law dictates that drivers must stay at the scene of an accident, especially when injuries or significant damage result.
Hit-and-run accidents happen for a variety of reasons:
- The driver could be uninsured or underinsured.
- The driver is intoxicated and afraid of getting caught.
- The driver panics and leaves without thinking about the consequences.
Southaven hit-and-runs often result in serious injuries. Our car accident attorneys can help.
What should I do after a Southaven hit-and-run accident?
If you’re injured in a hit-and-run accident, you should act quickly to protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you can do to help yourself:
- Your health should be your number one priority. Even if you think you feel alright, some injuries (like internal injuries or brain injuries) may not show symptoms until much later. Get yourself checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Reporting the accident to law enforcement creates an official report, which can be vital for your case. Be sure to share any details you remember about the fleeing vehicle, like the make, model, color, or license plate.
- If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. Look around for witnesses who may have seen what happened and ask for their contact information for later.
- Let your insurance provider know about the accident. Depending on your policy, you may be covered under uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for hit-and-run accidents.
- Consult with a Southaven personal injury The experienced attorneys at Taylor Jones Taylor can guide you through your next steps, including the legal and insurance processes.
How can your Southaven personal injury lawyers help with a hit-and-run?
First, we thoroughly investigate your accident. We work with law enforcement, review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and gather all available evidence to identify the driver who fled the scene. Even if the driver remains unidentified, our investigation can help strengthen your case with the insurance company.
Mississippi law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless they explicitly reject it in writing. If you have UM coverage, our lawyers can help you file a claim to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The insurance company may try to minimize your payout, but our attorneys can negotiate on your behalf and work to make sure you secure the compensation you deserve.
We understand that a hit-and-run accident can lead to significant financial issues. Our Southaven personal injury lawyers will calculate the full extent of your damages, including your:
- Medical expenses, including all current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
- Lost wages, compensation for the time you missed from work due to your recovery.
- Pain and suffering, non-economic damages for your physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property damage, the cost to repair or replace your vehicle or other damaged property.
Our lawyers can file a lawsuit if the at-fault driver is identified and refuses to take responsibility. Even if the driver isn’t found, a lawsuit may still be necessary to recover compensation from other parties, like your insurance company.
We also understand that the legal process can be tough, especially when you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. Our Southaven personal injury lawyers can handle all the details, allowing you to focus on healing.
Local experience matters
When choosing a personal injury attorney for your hit-and-run case, working with someone who understands Southaven and the surrounding areas is important. Our local attorneys know Southaven’s roads, traffic patterns, and common accident hotspots, like busy intersections and areas near shopping centers or schools.
We also know the local courts and insurance companies, which gives us an edge in negotiating fair settlements or presenting your case in court.
How can you prevent hit-and-run accidents?
While it’s certainly true that you can’t control the actions of others, you can take steps to reduce your risk of being injured in a hit-and-run:
- Avoid distractions and keep an eye on your surroundings, especially in busy areas.
- Drive defensively, always anticipating the actions of other drivers.
- Avoid late-night driving – hit-and-runs are more common at night when impaired drivers are more likely to be on the road.
- When parking, choose spots with good visibility to deter potential hit-and-runs.
Hit-and-run accidents often make headlines, highlighting the devastating consequences these incidents can have on victims and their families. Stories like these demonstrate the need to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure victims receive the legal support they need.
Working with a Southaven personal injury lawyer can help you turn a traumatic experience into an opportunity to seek justice and secure your future. Remember, time is critical after a hit-and-run accident. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines can prevent you from pursuing a claim if you wait too long. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Taylor Jones Taylor today to ensure your case is handled promptly and effectively. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, and throughout Mississippi.
Benjamin L. Taylor is a lifelong resident of DeSoto County and has distinguished himself in the area of products liability and personal injury law. He has a reputation as a fierce advocate for his clients and has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements over his career. He has been listed in the publication Super Lawyers of the Mid-South in the area of product liability. To learn more about Mr. Taylor, please refer to his biography page.
