Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in Waldorf, MD

Fighting for Southern Maryland for 20+ Years

Hit-and-run accidents in Waldorf, Maryland, can leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. The emotional and mental toll can be significant as well. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

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How an Attorney Can Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Charles County

Medical Expenses: Hit-and-run accidents often cause severe injuries requiring extensive medical care. A Waldorf personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for past and future medical expenses.
Lost Wages: Being unable to work due to injuries can create financial hardship. An attorney can fight to recover lost wages and future earning potential.
Long-Term Care: Serious injuries may require ongoing medical care. Your attorney can work to secure compensation for these future costs.
Holding the Driver Accountable: Even if the driver isn’t identified immediately, an attorney can investigate and explore options to hold them responsible.
Emotional and Mental Suffering: Hit-and-run accidents can be incredibly traumatic. Your attorney can ensure your emotional distress is considered in your case.

Why Drivers Flee Accidents

There are various reasons why drivers might flee the scene: impairment, intoxication, lack of license or insurance, or simply being unaware they caused an accident.

Finding the Hit-and-Run Driver

Sometimes, you or a witness might get a partial or complete license plate number that can help police track down the culprit. Reporting the accident quickly allows police to post an alert and potentially apprehend the driver.

Responding to a Hit-and-Run Accident

Here’s what to do after a hit-and-run accident:

File a Police Report: This documents the incident and initiates an investigation.
Seek Medical Attention: Obtain medical treatment and address any injuries promptly.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident and start the uninsured motorist claim process.

Compensation in a Maryland Car Accident Claim

In Maryland car accident claims, compensation is based on various factors like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled Waldorf hit-and-run accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses. By examining the specifics of your case, they can advocate on your behalf with insurance companies and in legal proceedings to ensure you receive the financial recovery you deserve.

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How Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) Claims Work

Maryland requires a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in UM coverage. This covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When you make a UM claim, your insurance company essentially acts as the at-fault driver’s insurance. They compensate you for your losses. The amount of damages will be the exact same as if you sued the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In many cases, your insurance company will try to recover the payout from the at-fault party if they’re identified later.

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Resolving Hit-and-Run Accidents

Resolving a UM claim is similar to a standard car accident claim. Your insurance company covers your claim, and you’re entitled to the same compensation you would receive if the at-fault driver were identified.

Recovering Damages from “Phantom Vehicle” Accidents

Sometimes, the at-fault driver leaves the scene without contact – we refer to this as a “phantom vehicle” case. This could occur when another vehicle forces you off the road, and the driver may not even realize they caused an accident. In Maryland courts, physical contact is not required for an accident to be considered a “hit and run” and the injured party may file a UM claim against their own policy (or the policy of the employer if the vehicle is employer-owned) to seek compensation for damages.

Luckily, the evidence in these cases is typically the testimony of the victims and the witnesses, and since the at-fault party fled the scene, they likely won’t be in court to defend themselves. Hence, proving a hit-and-run claim usually relies on the word of some against none.

The Importance of Evidence

In both hit-and-run and phantom vehicle cases, proving the at-fault driver caused your injury is the victim’s burden. You’ll need evidence to support your claim, such as:

Witness Testimony: If anyone witnessed the accident and can describe the hit-and-run driver or vehicle, their testimony can be very valuable. The more details the witness can recall, such as the car’s make, model, color, license plate number (even partial), or any unique features, the stronger the evidence.
Security Camera Footage: In today’s world, many areas have security cameras, including traffic intersections, gas stations, and businesses along roadways. If the accident occurred in an area with surveillance, footage might capture the hit-and-run vehicle or the incident itself.
Dashcam Footage: If you or another driver involved in the accident had a dashcam recording, it could provide crucial video evidence showing the hit-and-run and potentially capturing details of the vehicle.
Physical Evidence: This can include debris left behind at the scene, such as paint chips, broken glass, or pieces of trim, that could potentially match the hit-and-run vehicle. Scuff marks or damage on your vehicle consistent with the accident can also be documented.
Police Report: A well-documented police report detailing the accident scene, witness statements (if any), and the investigation can be helpful evidence.

Schedule a Free Consultation with our Waldorf Hit and Run Accident Attorneys

Don’t navigate a hit-and-run accident alone. An experienced Waldorf car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Baldwin, Briscoe & Steinmetz is a full-service Maryland law firm offering free consultations to discuss your hit-and-run accident case. We can help you understand your options and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

The information contained on this page is provided as general information and does not constitute legal advice. The experienced attorneys at Baldwin, Briscoe & Steinmetz can assist you if you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident.*

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Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in Waldorf, MD

How an Attorney Can Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Charles County

Why Drivers Flee Accidents

Finding the Hit-and-Run Driver

Responding to a Hit-and-Run Accident

Compensation in a Maryland Car Accident Claim

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Practice Areas

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) Claims Work

Resolving Hit-and-Run Accidents

Recovering Damages from “Phantom Vehicle” Accidents

The Importance of Evidence

Schedule a Free Consultation with our Waldorf Hit and Run Accident Attorneys

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