Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | February 24, 2025 | Car Accidents
While dealing with any type of vehicle crash in Charleston, West Virginia, can be stressful, hit-and-run accidents tend to be especially challenging. The entire incident can be fraught with complications, from uncertainty about who will pay for the damage to concerns about bringing the offender to justice. Here’s what to know if someone hits your car and drives away.
What To Do After A Hit-And-Run
Whether you’re dealing with a typical speeding accident or a hit-and-run, your well-being should come first. If possible, pull over to a safe area and take a moment to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone requires medical attention.
Next, you’ll need to report the incident to law enforcement. Give as much detail as you can, including when and where the accident occurred. Try to provide details about the other vehicle, including its make, model, color, and direction of travel.
If you know which part of the vehicle is damaged, relay that information as well. For example, if the other vehicle side-swiped your car’s passenger side with its driver’s side, let law enforcement know about the location of the damage.
While you wait for first responders to arrive, document the scene as best you can. Take photos or videos of your vehicle and the surrounding area. If there are any skid marks or debris from the other vehicle present, make sure to capture that as well.
Why Do People Leave The Scene Of Accidents?
In most cases, people flee the scene of an accident because they’re concerned that the consequences will be worse if they wait for law enforcement to arrive. That may be because they’ve committed some other offense, such as driving without a license or operating their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For instance, someone may be willing to risk fleeing the scene of a crash if they think it will allow them to get away with a DUI accident.
Legal Consequences For The At-Fault Driver
According to West Virginia Code §17C-4-2, leaving the scene of a vehicle accident involving damage is a misdemeanor. However, fleeing a crash involving serious bodily injury or death is a felony under West Virginia Code §17C-4-1. As such, running only puts the at-fault driver at risk of stiffer consequences.
Who Pays For The Damage In A Hit-And-Run?
If law enforcement is unable to track down the responsible driver, you’ll need to rely on your own insurance policy to cover the damage. If you have collision coverage on your policy, it should cover the cost of fixing or replacing your vehicle regardless of who was at fault, though it will be on you to pay the deductible.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it will compensate you for property damage, medical bills, and other related losses. However, your insurer will only cover these costs up to your policy limits. If you suffer severe injuries or miss a lot of time from work, you may exhaust your coverage benefits.
If the police can locate the other driver and they have valid car insurance, their insurer will have to foot the bill for your crash. You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver for additional compensation.
How To Protect Yourself After A Hit-And-Run Accident
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless. Understanding your options and acting quickly can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Pass on as much relevant information to law enforcement as possible, and do your best to gather valuable evidence before they arrive.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, remember that you aren’t alone and that there are resources available to help you deal with your losses and get back on the road.
Contact the Car Accidents Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
20 E Broad St Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423
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Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
10 Hale St Suite 501, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 720-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.348382927211865, -81.635109451865