Legal Matters
Presented by: Frank S. Buck, P.C., Personal Injury
Alabama drivers are stunned when another vehicle smashes into them, but he or she will become astounded if that driver keeps on going and does not stop. The normal procedure after a motor vehicle crash of exchanging automobile insurance information will speed away with that driver. So, do you have any legal recourse for your injuries when someone hits you and flees the scene?
If you have full coverage under your own automobile insurance policy, including uninsured motorist coverage, the answer is yes. Under Alabama law, your own insurance company stands in the shoes of that unknown driver and compensates you for your pain, suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages or other damages out of your own uninsured motorist coverage. Therefore, it is important to check with your automobile insurance agent to ensure that you have uninsured motorist coverage to protect you if you are injured by a hit and run driver.
In the event that you are hit by a driver who does not stop, pull over and gather all information about that vehicle that you can, including any portion of license tag number, make, model and color of a vehicle, names of any company or business which is written on the vehicle, a description of the driver, damage from the wreck which was sustained on that vehicle and note the direction that the vehicle continued traveling.
Immediately call the police to inform them of the incident and where the car was headed. Sometimes the police can track the hit and run drivers down if you act fast enough. Also, be sure you have a police report made, giving all the information you have gathered to the investigating officer, including the description of the car, what occurred in the collision as well as information for any and all witnesses that can provide further details of the wreck. It is important to document the damage to your vehicle by promptly taking photographs. You must notify your automobile insurance company of the wreck so that they can begin their own investigation as well. It is also important to have a lawyer who can navigate these intricate areas of the law and help get you the best possible result for your injuries. Please call us, we would love to begin helping you today.
-Frank S. Buck, P.C., Attorneys at Law have been offering professional legal services and serving Alabama citizens for over 49 years. We have experienced trial attorneys who have over 100 years of combined trial experience. You can reach us 24 hours a day at (205) 933-7533. Please call us for a free consultation. Visit us at www.franksbuckpc.com.
