In February 2019, a 54-year-old Wisconsin man was fatally injured in a hit-and-run accident in Milwaukee. The injuries occurred when the man was attempting to fill potholes, and he was pinned up against his vehicle. According to Milwaukee police, the driver fled the scene after colliding with the man and his vehicle.
Hit-and-run collisions can be incredibly terrifying, and they are unfortunately quite common throughout the United States. According to a study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA), over 2, 000 Americans were fatally injured in hit-and-run collisions in 2016. In the United States, a hit-and-run accident occurs every 43 seconds. If you or a member of your family are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you should seek out legal assistance immediately.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
As frightening as a hit-and-run collision can be, it is important to know how to react after this type of incident. If anyone suffers an injury, contact emergency medical personnel immediately. Once all injured parties have been accounted for, there are a few steps you can take to increase the likelihood of catching the culprit and securing the injury compensation you deserve:
- Document the Other Vehicle: In the immediate aftermath of the collision, documenting as much information about the other vehicle as possible can be crucial to law enforcement as they try to identify the driver. If you are able to catch the license plate number, model, or color of the vehicle, you could expedite the investigation and ensure that the culprit is apprehended. It can also be crucial to talk with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible, as a good personal injury attorney will know how to request certain evidence, such as traffic camera footage, before it is destroyed.
- Speak With Witnesses: In the vast majority of hit-and-run collisions, witnesses are present at the time of the accident. While it may be difficult for you to document information about the other vehicle, witnesses may be able to help. Make sure to obtain the contact information of all witnesses before they leave the vicinity.
- Take Pictures of Your Vehicle: If you are struck in a hit-and-run collision, it is likely that your vehicle suffered substantial damage. Through the documentation of vehicular damage, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you need to pay for all damages. Images of the collision can also be helpful to law enforcement, insurance companies, and your legal team.
It is also important to know the difference between a hit-and-run accident and a miss-and-run accident. In a miss-and-run accident, another vehicle causes some sort of accident, but the “phantom vehicle” never actually makes physical contact with the injured party’s own car. Because of a newly enacted statute in Wisconsin, if you have been involved in a miss-and-run accident, you need to speak with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible because of the very strict and short deadlines mandated by Wisconsin law.
Contact an Appleton Car Accident Lawyer
After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is common to feel flustered and helpless. Once you and all other passengers have received the necessary medical assistance, it is important to act quickly. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our legal team is here to help you receive the compensation you need to heal from any and all injuries.
A car crash can be incredibly frightening, and it can also be incredibly expensive, including both medical costs and vehicle repair. Our team is prepared to assist you in any way necessary to ensure that your financial future is not jeopardized by the reckless actions of a negligent driver. To schedule a free initial consultation with a compassionate Green Bay personal injury attorney, contact our team today at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hit-and-run-crash-deaths-all-time-high/
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wisconsin/articles/2019-02-08/milwaukee-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-crash