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Financial Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents and Potential Compensation
Being in a car accident is always a traumatic experience. But when the other driver flees the scene, leaving you to fend for yourself, it can be even worse. It’s notoriously difficult to get information about the driver who caused the hit-and-run. If you are able to eventually identify the culprit, you may be able to file a suit with the Arizona civil courts, seeking compensation for your expenses and pain and suffering. How much that compensation may be depends on several factors.
Prevalence of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents are an unfortunate reality in Arizona and across the country, and there are a variety of reasons someone may leave the scene of an accident. It’s common for someone to drive away without stopping after an accident if they were drinking or under the influence of a substance. They know that they will get caught when the police arrive at the scene, and they sometimes think that by evading the initial police encounter, they can avoid a DUI.
Someone may also leave the scene of a crash because they were driving without a valid license or have a warrant out for their arrest. As above, the driver may think that they can evade arrest if they don’t wait to be questioned by police.
Lastly, someone may commit a hit-and-run without realizing it. This is common in parking lots or very minor fender benders, where a driver may not be aware that they bumped into another car.
The Cost of a Hit-and-Run
Vehicles are one of the most expensive — or the most expensive — things many people own. When there’s a wreck that necessitates auto repairs, the cost can be thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. But that’s just to get your vehicle back in running shape. It’s also important to factor in medical expenses from being assessed after the accident and any treatment for injuries. Depending on how serious the accident was and how severe the injuries were, this can also be thousands of dollars.
The cost of a hit-and-run isn’t limited to simple calculations. It should also include the mental and emotional costs. Being in a hit-and-run accident can make you fearful about driving again, potentially leading to a loss of independence. And the pain and suffering you experience as you heal from your injuries also deserves compensation. All of this together can add up to a significant amount — and a potential personal injury case.
What to Expect From a Hit-and-Run Settlement
There are so many factors involved in how much car accident settlements are that it’s hard to even give an average. In general, a car accident settlement can be anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, but there are always exceptions. A settlement may be only a few thousand dollars or could be into the six- or seven-figure range.
The best way to find out how much your settlement amount could be after a hit-and-run accident is to talk with an attorney who has experience with hit-and-run cases. These types of accidents are a bit different from regular car accidents because there may be other factors involved, such as the driver not having insurance. You can generally expect a settlement to be a bit less than what you’re suing for.
Factors That Can Impact Compensation
Having an understanding of what factors influence how much a hit-and-run settlement is can help you have more accurate expectations. In general, the more serious your injuries and the more expenses you’ve incurred, the larger the settlement amount. Compensation in a personal injury case is directly related to the economic damages you sustained. Pain and suffering can also be a factor, but this can be harder to prove, and you should speak with an attorney if you plan on trying to use this.
Another factor that can contribute to your settlement amount is whether the other driver had insurance. It’s not unusual for hit-and-run drivers to flee the scene because they don’t have car insurance, and in this case, it can be difficult to get a large settlement because the person likely also doesn’t have the assets to be able to pay it. If the person does have insurance, how much your settlement is might be limited by what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Finally, your settlement amount may be influenced by how strong your case is, and this is something that your attorney will discuss with you. The stronger your case, the higher your settlement may be because the other party’s legal team may not want to risk losing in court and their client having to pay a much higher amount.
How an Attorney Can Help Maximize Your Settlement
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you maximize your settlement amount. An attorney has in-depth knowledge of the Arizona statutes that are relevant to personal injury cases so they understand how to argue your case. They also have experience with negotiating with insurance companies and other lawyers.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident and you’re wondering if you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, it’s time to meet with an attorney. At Desert Star Law Group, we work with our clients to help them understand what their rights and legal options are and the pros and cons of going to trial or taking a settlement offer. Schedule your appointment with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your hit-and-run case by calling (602) 584-8957.
