Hit and Run Accidents in West Virginia

Car wrecks can result in damage to your vehicle and a range of injuries to your body. In many cases, mild injuries from low-impact accidents can keep you out of work for a few days as you recover. In the worst-case scenarios, the accidents lead to severe injuries—or even death.

When it is a hit-and-run accident, handling the aftermath is even more challenging. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime but the police may not always take it very seriously. When you experience a hit and run accident in West Virginia, you will need to consult with a seasoned car accident attorney to learn your next steps.

Who Is Financially Responsible for Hit and Run Wrecks?

Fleeing the scene does not prevent a driver from being financially responsible. The problem arises when no one can locate the hit-and-run driver. In that case, there is not a driver—or their insurance company—to take responsibility for the accident.

It is vital to get as much information about the other vehicle as possible at the time of the accident. In the turmoil, a victim may not get a license plate number, but they might have the make, model, and color of a vehicle. Bystanders may be able to provide additional information, which—combined with information from other bystanders—will help people identify the involved vehicle.

The police or an attorney may investigate further by checking the area to determine if there are video or still cameras that may have captured images of the responsible vehicle. They can also search for potential patients at hospitals or try to connect with them through body shops. Investigators—public or private—can make their best efforts to find the responsible party, but they are not always successful.

In that case, a victim may need to use their insurance to pay for their damages. Fortunately, West Virginia has taken that possibility under consideration. In addition to minimum mandatory liability insurance, the state requires minimum mandatory uninsured motorist coverage. The coverage is $20,000 per person, but individuals can always opt for a higher-limit policy. These policies will cover damages from an at-fault driver who does not have their own insurance or who flees the scene of the accident.

Hit and Run Accidents and Criminal Liability

When a driver flees the scene of the accident, they commit a criminal act, facing the possibility of jail time or fines. The criminal process does not directly impact the victim or provide any benefits, but the police may need their cooperation to pursue the hit-and-run driver. In addition, a criminal conviction for fleeing the scene can help prove that the driver was responsible for an accident.

While there may be specific reasons why someone might flee after causing a vehicle crash,  like not having an insurance policy of their own, it is often the case that they simply panic and run. However, with or without a criminal charge, an injured party in West Virginia can still file a claim for compensation against a liable driver who fled the accident scene.

Learn More About Hit and Run Accident Compensation in West Virginia

While any auto accident can be stressful, a hit-and-run accident ratchets up the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding an accident. As a victim, you will probably feel very angry at the driver who fled the scene, but you cannot delay your recovery.

It is vital to get the appropriate medical care from first responders and follow-up care with your medical provider. Do not let the fear of medical bills keep you from getting care—your uninsured motorist coverage should pay for those expenses if you cannot locate the other driver. To learn more, contact a Personal Injury attorney about hit-and-run accidents in West Virginia.