Every year, hundreds of thousands of hit-and-run accidents occur on roadways, leaving people injured and facing significant financial burdens. One moment, you’re driving through Milwaukee or heading home from work; the next, you’re standing on the side of the road, watching a stranger speed away from the damage and harm they just caused.
The feeling of being abandoned at the scene is a difficult experience, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. There is a clear process for responding to a hit and run that protects your health, your finances, and your legal rights. Knowing when to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer at Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck can be a critical part of that process, helping you understand your options and take the right steps toward accountability and recovery.
First Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
Once you have addressed any immediate medical needs, the actions you take can significantly impact your ability to be compensated for your losses. The period following a car crash is a critical time for gathering information and officially documenting what happened.
Your first priority is to report the accident to the police if you have not already done so at the scene. Call the Police Department, or the appropriate local law enforcement agency for your location in Wisconsin. Filing an official police report creates a legal record of the incident, which is essential for any insurance claim. When you speak with the officer, provide every detail you can recall, no matter how small it may seem.
Next, notify your own insurance company about the hit and run. Most insurance policies have strict deadlines for reporting an accident, so it is important to do this promptly. Explain that the other driver fled the scene. Your insurance agent will guide you on the next steps for starting a claim under your policy.
Even if you feel fine, it is also wise to schedule a medical evaluation. Some serious injuries, like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. A doctor’s report will document any injuries caused by the collision, linking them directly to the accident.
Gathering Evidence for your Hit and Run Accident Claim
Because the at-fault driver is unknown, building a strong case for your hit-and-run claim depends heavily on the evidence you can collect. The more information you can provide to law enforcement and your insurance company, the better your chances of a successful recovery.
Documenting Everything You Remember
Your memory is one of the most powerful tools you have. As soon as you are able, write down every single detail you can remember about the hit-and-run accident. Do not filter yourself; even seemingly minor details could become crucial later.
Your notes should include:
- The exact location of the accident (e.g., the intersection of Juneau Ave. and N. Van Buren St., or on a specific stretch of I-94 heading toward downtown Milwaukee).
- The date and approximate time of day.
- The make, model, and color of the other vehicle.
- Any part of the license plate number you saw, even just a few letters or numbers.
- A description of the other driver if you got a look at them.
- The direction the other vehicle was heading when it fled the scene.
This information can help police in their investigation and can also be used to corroborate your version of events for your insurance claim.
Finding Potential Witnesses And Other Evidence
You may not be the only person who saw what happened. Witnesses are often the key to identifying a hit-and-run driver. If anyone stopped at the scene, be sure to get their name and contact information. If you were not able to do so, consider returning to the area.
Keeping Meticulous Records
Organized records are essential for demonstrating the full extent of your damages. Create a dedicated folder to keep track of all documents related to the hit-and-run accident.
Be sure to save copies of the following:
- The police report.
- All medical bills, treatment records, and receipts for prescriptions.
- Photos of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle.
- Estimates for vehicle repairs.
- A log of any time you missed from work and documentation of your lost wages from your employer.
Having all this information in one place will make the claims process smoother and help ensure that you account for all of your losses.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in a Hit and Run Case
While you can file a claim on your own, the complexities of a hit-and-run accident case can make it beneficial to have a legal professional on your side. The experienced car accident attorneys of Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck can help you understand your options and work to protect your interests throughout the entire process.
Here are some ways a lawyer can assist with a hit-and-run accident claim:
- Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Attorneys often have access to investigators and resources that can help uncover new evidence. They can work to locate witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and piece together what happened.
- Handling All Communications with Insurance Companies: An attorney can manage all the paperwork and negotiations with your insurance company. This allows you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery while they handle the legal details.
- Accurately Valuing Your Claim: A lawyer can help you calculate the full value of your claim, including not just current medical bills and lost wages but also future medical needs and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Identifying All Potential Sources of Compensation: In some cases, there may be other parties who hold some responsibility. For example, if the driver was working at the time, their employer could potentially be held liable. An attorney can explore every possible avenue for recovery.
A lawyer’s involvement can level the playing field, ensuring that the insurance company treats you fairly and offers a settlement that fully addresses your damages.
Common Injuries in Hit and Run Accidents
The sudden and unexpected nature of hit and run accidents means that occupants of the struck vehicle are often unprepared for the impact, which can lead to a wide range of serious injuries.
Some common injuries sustained in these types of crashes include:
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: The violent jerking motion of a crash can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck and back, causing pain and limiting mobility.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): An impact to the head can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to long-term cognitive or memory problems.
- Broken Bones: The force of a collision can easily cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most severe outcomes of a car accident and can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, being the subject of a hit and run can cause significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It is crucial to seek medical attention for any injuries and to follow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations. This not only aids your physical recovery but also creates an official record of the harm you suffered.
Should you or a family member be in a hit and run accident which injuries are sustained, the first thing you should do is contact a personal injury attorney. When you are represented by a skilled attorney, you’ll have your best chance of being fairly compensated for any injuries that you sustain in an accident.
Call Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck in Milwaukee TODAY at (414) 223-4444 to have one of our caring lawyers come out to meet you. Get money for your injuries and car accident help TODAY. There is no fee until we win.
Car Accident Attorneys – Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck – Experience – Compassion – Results
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