Hit and run accidents are particularly distressing for victims. In addition to dealing with the physical and emotional trauma of a car accident, victims are left facing uncertainty when the driver responsible flees the scene. In Minnesota, hit and run accidents are not only illegal but also carry serious legal consequences for the at-fault driver. Understanding what to do if you’re involved in a hit and run and how to protect your rights is crucial. With the help of a Minnesota hit and run lawyer, you can navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid to those injured. In Minnesota, it’s illegal for any driver involved in an accident to leave the scene without providing their name, address, and insurance information. Failing to do so can result in both criminal charges and civil liability.
Hit and run accidents can happen in various situations, including:
- Collisions with other vehicles: The most common type of hit and run occurs when two vehicles collide, and one driver flees the scene.
- Pedestrian accidents: When a driver hits a pedestrian and leaves without stopping, it’s considered a hit and run.
- Bicycle accidents: Cyclists are particularly vulnerable in hit and run accidents, which often lead to severe injuries.
- Parked car accidents: Even if a vehicle is unoccupied, leaving the scene of an accident after damaging a parked car is considered a hit and run.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in Minnesota, and the penalties for a hit and run vary depending on the severity of the accident. Drivers who cause property damage may face misdemeanor charges, while those who injure or kill someone in a hit and run can be charged with a felony.
Legal Consequences for Hit and Run Drivers in Minnesota
Minnesota law treats hit and run accidents very seriously, and drivers who leave the scene of an accident can face harsh penalties. The legal consequences vary depending on the severity of the accident:
- Misdemeanor: If the hit and run results in property damage, the driver may face misdemeanor charges, which can result in fines, jail time, and a criminal record.
- Gross Misdemeanor: If the accident causes injuries, the driver can be charged with a gross misdemeanor. Penalties for a gross misdemeanor may include up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.
- Felony: If the hit and run accident results in serious injury or death, the driver can be charged with a felony. Felony charges carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
In addition to criminal penalties, hit and run drivers may also face civil liability. Victims of hit and run accidents can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
If you’re the victim of a hit and run accident, the moments following the crash can be chaotic and stressful. However, there are several key steps you can take to protect yourself and strengthen your case for compensation.
The first step after a hit and run accident is to call the police and report the incident. Minnesota law requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury or significant property damage. Providing a police report will create an official record of the accident, which will be important for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.
If possible, gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area. If there were witnesses to the hit and run, ask for their contact information, as their testimony may help your case. Try to note any details about the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number (if you can obtain it). Even small details can help the police track down the responsible driver.
If you’ve been injured in the hit and run accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation can help identify any underlying issues and provide documentation for your injury claim. Keep all medical records and receipts related to your treatment, as these will be crucial for proving your damages.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state, which means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will help pay for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries are severe and exceed the limits of your PIP coverage, you may need to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Navigating a hit and run accident claim can be complex, especially if the driver responsible has not been identified. Working with a Minnesota hit and run lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Pursuing Compensation After a Hit and Run
If the at-fault driver in a hit and run accident is identified, you can pursue compensation through their insurance policy. This may cover damages such as:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
If the driver responsible for the accident is not found, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the at-fault driver does not have insurance or cannot be identified, such as in a hit and run accident.
A hit and run legal help attorney can assist you in filing an uninsured motorist claim, negotiating with the insurance company, and ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation available.
How a Minnesota Hit and Run Lawyer Can Help
Hit and run accidents present unique challenges, especially when the driver responsible cannot be immediately identified. A Minnesota hit and run lawyer can help you navigate these challenges. Your attorney will work with law enforcement and other experts to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify the at-fault driver if possible.
Whether you’re pursuing a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own uninsured motorist coverage, your attorney will handle the claims process and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney will represent you in court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Receive the Compensation You Deserve
Hit and run accidents are stressful and often leave victims feeling helpless. However, by taking the right steps and working with a Minnesota hit and run lawyer, you can protect your rights and seek the compensation you need to recover. Whether the at-fault driver is identified or not, a skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries, property damage, and emotional distress.
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, contact Sieben Edmunds Miller today for a free consultation. Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to provide the legal help you need to navigate your hit and run claim and pursue justice.
