According to Alabama Code § 32-10-2, drivers that cause injury or death to others are required to stop, provide their name, address, and vehicle registration in addition to offering reasonable help when possible. Unfortunately, drivers do not always follow this requirement and flee the scene in attempt to avoid consequences. Victims of these accidents, called hit and run accidents, are often forced to deal with physical injuries, psychological trauma, and excessive medical expenses.
If the careless actions of another driver in Birmingham have left you suffering, seek the legal and medical help that you deserve. The Birmingham hit and run accident attorneys at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP understand how overwhelming the days and weeks following a serious accident can be. However, if you’re serious about taking legal action, this is the window of time that matters the most.
Our team will work with local police to try to locate the person responsible for your injuries. Even if we cannot locate the driver who harmed you, we will walk you through the legal process and make sure that you are taken care of every step of the way.
The financial burden stemming from an injury shouldn’t prevent you from hiring quality legal representation. Our experienced team offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis. Unless we are able to recover the compensation that you deserve for your accident-related expenses, you do not owe us a dime. To set up a consultation, call us today at (205) 324-1212.
Do I Need a Hit and Run Attorney?
Victims of hit and run accidents are in a tough place when it comes to seeking justice. An experienced personal injury lawyer is often a victim’s most reliable path to finding the responsible party and recovering much-needed compensation.
If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident, a lawyer can lead the charge in helping you locate the person responsible for your injuries by interviewing witnesses, working with local law enforcement, and following up on any available leads. When you are injured, it is important that you get the medical attention and rest that you need to heal. Having a lawyer carry out these tasks on your behalf will give you the time you need to seek medical treatment and begin the recovery process.
Even when the perpetrator cannot be located, your injury lawyer can help you file a hit and run claim with your own insurance company. Depending on your plan, your insurance may cover some or all of your expenses. Your lawyer will guide you through the process and help you make the most beneficial decision for your situation.
In the event that the at-fault party is found, an injury lawyer will oversee the filing of your injury claim, negotiate the terms of a settlement, or, when necessary, take your claim to court. The compensation that you are eligible to recover is linked to the extent of your injuries and related-expensed. With a lawyer fighting on your behalf, you can feel confident that the settlement that you are offered is fair.
Why Hire Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP to Handle My Case?
The attorneys at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP take the trust our clients place in us incredibly seriously. When you call upon us for help after sustaining an injury, we know that you are going through a difficult time. We are here to help shoulder the burden.
Our injury lawyers have decades of experience fighting for Alabamians who have been harmed by the careless or reckless actions of others. We work with people from all walks of life with the deep-rooted belief that, no matter who you are, you deserve the support of a well-resourced and experienced lawyer. With values of family, fairness, and justice central to our mission, we are committed to making sure that our clients’ lives are not upended by the wrongful actions of another person.
We strive to achieve the best possible results in and out of the courtroom. Numbers speak, and we have the record to prove why families in Birmingham have been trusting us for years. Our lawyers understand the difference that a fair settlement or favorable verdict can make, which is why we fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible. We have won millions of dollars on behalf of injury victims and families who needed it most, and we are ready to get to work to help you too.
Hit and Run Cases We Handle
Drive Safe Alabama offers some troubling statistics regarding crash rates within the state. In 2017, a crash was reported every 200 seconds and collisions involving injuries were reported every eleven minutes. No matter if you were walking, cycling, or driving at the time of your injury, it is important that you seek the medical help that you need. Though some accident victims never recover fully, early treatment can still drastically improve the medical outcome. Some commonly reported hit and run injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Concussions
- Paralysis
- Death
Many of these injuries are not only costly but also require rehabilitation and rest. If your injuries are preventing you from returning to work in order to support yourself and your family, your settlement should take into account your lost wages. If your employer offers disability benefits and your injuries make you eligible to take advantage of them, our lawyers can help you access them as you heal.
When someone fails to stop when they cause an accident, they could face serious consequences. Some common reasons that a driver may flee include:
- Uninsured or underinsured
- Panic or shock
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fear of confrontation
- Prior criminal record
- Driving without a license
- Driving with a suspended license
- Attempting to avoid responsibility
None of these are acceptable reasons for a person to flee the scene of an accident. While some perpetrators are never caught, others may be more inclined to come forward and claim responsibility for the damage that they have caused. When this is the case, a lawyer can help you locate the at-fault party and recover damages as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a hit and run accident has left you hurt and financially compromised, you rightfully have questions. Our team is ready to hear about your situation and discuss how we may be able to help you. Check out some frequently asked questions and get in touch with us today at (205) 324-1212.
When Should I File a Claim?
Alabama Code § 6-2-38 establishes that injury victims have up to two years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim. Though you must begin the legal process within this amount of time, your case is not required to be resolved within this same window. However, for the strength of your case, it is best to take action as soon as possible. The more proactive you are about reaching out to a lawyer, the sooner they can begin collecting information, building your case, and recovering compensation for you.
How Long Will My Case Take?
Each case is unique. The amount of time that your claim takes to be processed is dependent on several factors, some of which can include the severity of your injuries, the amount of money you have lost as a result of being injured, whether or not the at-fault party can be located, and how cooperative the involved insurance companies are. Securing a settlement is more expedient than taking your claim to court, but if your lawyer needs to take your claim to court in order to recover the money you are owed, then they will advise doing so.
Can the At-Fault Party Face Criminal Charges?
Yes. Since fleeing the scene of an accident is an illegal act, the at-fault party for a hit and run could face criminal charges. Criminal charges can be brought by the state in addition to your injury claim. Depending on the specific factors of the hit and run, potential punishments for an Alabama hit and run infraction can range from a class A misdemeanor to a class C felony.
That said, it is important to note that criminal cases are totally separate from civil claims. You have to bring a separate civil claim if you want to recover any financial compensation from the at-fault driver, even if they are found guilty.
Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer Today
If you have suffered after being injured in a hit and run accident, the Birmingham car accident lawyers at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP are here to help you. We have been a trusted fixture in the community for decades and we are ready to help you get through this time so that you can move forward. To set up a free consultation with one of our experienced injury lawyers, call (205) 324-1212 today.
