Hit-and-runs are shameful acts that can seriously injure or even kill innocent pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bystanders. It is truly disheartening to see that such car accidents continue to rise annually. According to one study, fatal hit-and-run incidents rose by 89.4 percent between 2012 and 2021.
Accident victims rightfully deserve justice and clarity on who is responsible for their accidents. Negligent drivers must be held accountable accordingly.
Taking legal action after a hit-and-run may seem daunting, but having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side can ease your fears and stress. This article will help you understand what to look for when choosing a car accident lawyer to represent you in your hit-and-run case.
Hit-and-Run Laws: How a Manchester Lawyer Can Help
Understanding personal injury law in Manchester, New Hampshire, is crucial for anyone involved or affected by such incidents. Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver hits a pedestrian or another motorist and flees the scene without sharing contact information or helping injured victims.
State statutes outline the legal rights and obligations of drivers involved in car accidents. Here is an overview of the hit-and-run laws in Manchester, NH.
Duty to stop
According to New Hampshire law, any driver involved in an accident resulting in death, injury, or property damage must immediately stop at the scene.
Exchange of information
Upon stopping at the scene of the accident, drivers are required to share their contact information. The driver must provide the following to the other parties involved:
- Legal name
- Current address
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance information
Drivers can give this information to the injured individuals or property owners.
Rendering aid
Drivers must also provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident. This may include contacting emergency services and administering first aid until help arrives.
Reporting to authorities
If the accident involves injury, death, or significant property damage, drivers must report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges.
Penalties for a hit-and-run
Hit-and-run offenses are taken seriously in New Hampshire. Penalties for leaving the accident scene can vary depending on the severity of the incident. The penalties may include fines, license suspensions, and even imprisonment.
Civil action
Drivers who flee the scene of an accident may also face civil liability for any damages or injuries caused. Victims of car accidents have the right to pursue compensation through civil lawsuits to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
These laws ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable, protect accident victims, and maintain safe roads. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to follow the laws above and consult an experienced car accident lawyer.
Qualities to Look for in a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Choosing a hit-and-run accident lawyer is a critical decision that can impact the outcome of your case. When looking for a Manchester car accident lawyer, there are several aspects you should consider before hiring.
Below are a few qualities to prioritize when selecting a car accident lawyer. Understanding these qualities helps you make a wise choice and choose the best lawyer to take on your personal injury case.
Evaluate the lawyer’s experience
Consider the lawyer’s experience, especially with hit-and-run accidents. Look for a car accident lawyer with a proven track record of success. You can ask potential attorneys about their experience representing clients in similar situations and their success rate.
Research the law firm’s reputation
The reputation of a car accident lawyer holds significant weight. Reading online reviews and client testimonials can offer valuable insights into a lawyer’s reliability and competence.
Additionally, professional awards and referrals from trusted sources shed light on a lawyer’s professionalism and effectiveness in advocating for clients.
Choose a client-focused law firm
Does the lawyer or law firm prioritize providing personalized attention to their clients? A compassionate and client-focused approach is necessary when dealing with a hit-and-run accident. Choose a lawyer who values personalized attention, takes time to understand your unique situation, and is readily available to address your concerns throughout the legal process.
Assess the lawyer’s communication skills
Choose a lawyer who communicates openly and transparently. Effective communication between you and your lawyer is vital for the smooth handling of your case. The right car accident attorney will answer your questions to your satisfaction. He or she can also explain the legal jargon to help you understand every step of your case.
Ask about the firm’s resources
Hit-and-run accidents often require a thorough investigation to find the responsible party. However, some law firms may lack the resources needed to carry out this task or to strengthen your case.
Focus on choosing a lawyer with access to resources such as:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Expert witnesses
- Investigative teams
Understand the fees and payment structure
Different law firms offer varying payment plans, with many car accident attorneys operating on a contingency fee basis. This means the law firm receives a percentage of the settlement or trial award only if they win the case for you. Other New Hampshire car accident lawyers charge an hourly rate for their services.
Don’t hesitate to inquire about the payment breakdown and any extra legal fees; it is your right to know. Asking questions can help you choose a transparent and communicative lawyer you can afford.
The Role of a Manchester, NH Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
A hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic and confusing ordeal. Thus, hiring a Manchester hit-and-run lawyer is beneficial to accident victims for several reasons. Below are some of a hit-and-run lawyer’s responsibilities.
Gathering evidence after the accident
If you are seeking compensation, you will need strong evidence to support your claim. This applies whether you are filing your car accident claim with the liable party’s insurance or your uninsured motorist coverage. Your hit-and-run claim should detail all the damages caused by the other driver’s negligence.
A Manchester car accident lawyer can compile the necessary evidence to support your case. He or she may also interview witnesses and work with law enforcement to find the negligent driver.
Negotiating with the insurance company
It can be tough to recover compensation from your insurance company if you don’t know who caused your accident. Insurance companies are known to find reasons to reduce personal injury payouts. Also, it is not uncommon for an insurance company to deny your claim.
With a car accident attorney by your side, you can have a skilled negotiator advocating for fair compensation.
Your lawyer can help you:
- File car accident claims
- Handle all communications with insurance adjusters
- Negotiate to get you fair compensation for your losses
- Counter unfair tactics
If the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks adequate insurance coverage, your lawyer may recommend pursuing legal action through uninsured or underinsured motorist claims. Alternatively, you may be advised to file a lawsuit against other liable parties, if that is the situation.
Providing legal representation in court
If your hit-and-run case goes to court, your attorney can advocate for you and represent your interests. He or she will prepare your case, present evidence, and make compelling arguments to prove the defendant’s negligence.
Ensuring that you take legal action on time
A car accident attorney can keep track of and understand any deadlines or statutes of limitations. For instance, the New Hampshire statute of limitations for a motor vehicle accident is 3 years.
An experienced Manchester car accident lawyer can therefore ensure that you do not miss any filing deadlines as you recover from your injuries. He or she will promptly take all necessary legal actions within the deadlines and update you on your case progress.
Claiming maximum compensation
Ensuring you receive the maximum compensation is an important part of your attorney’s role. Experienced lawyers understand the full extent of accident-related costs, like future loss of earnings and medical bills.
Your lawyer will guide you through documenting these losses to build your case for financial compensation. This careful documentation of evidence, economic damages, and non-economic damages can help you attain maximum compensation.
Offering emotional support and guidance
In addition to offering legal help, an experienced car accident attorney can also provide emotional support during this difficult period. He or she can empathize with your circumstances and offer reassurance to reduce your anxiety and stress. When you hire a car accident attorney, you not only protect your legal interests but also gain a support network for yourself.
Contact an Experienced Manchester Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Today
Hiring a car accident attorney goes beyond just getting legal guidance. It’s about having an advocate who can navigate accident laws and handle insurance and settlement negotiations.
If you or someone you care about has suffered serious injuries in a hit-and-run accident, you deserve compensation for your losses. Obtaining compensation in a hit-and-run case relies heavily on hiring the right car accident lawyer.
For over 40 years, Kiley Law Group’s car accident lawyers have been representing injury victims. We believe in holding the at-fault party responsible, and we want to help you find justice, too.
Our New Hampshire car accident attorneys are eagerly waiting to help you recover from your car accident. Reach our car accident lawyers in Manchester at (603) 825-4939 or complete the free case evaluation form to schedule a free consultation.
