Wheeling West Virginia Hit and Run Attorneys

The road is dangerous. One day it could be you on the receiving end of a hit and run accident. And what can happen if someone crashes into you because they are distracted? Or drunk? Or in a hurry to get home?

It’s scary just thinking about how much this could cost you. Broken bones, hospital stays, no income while you recover – not to mention the pain and suffering too. And that’s not even considering the emotional trauma.

It would be best if you talked to a lawyer. At Ghaphery Law Offices PLLC, our Wheeling, West Virginia Hit and Run Attorneys are here to help. Whether you were engaged in a little fender bender or had major injuries in a violent vehicle accident, we can help you in getting just compensation for your injuries.Call our personal injury law firm for guidance on how to claim for compensation and damages if you’re a victim of a hit-and-run.

What Is a Hit and Run?

Any mishap in which a vehicle strikes a person, object, or vehicle and the driver willfully flees the scene without providing their information is considered a hit and run.

Who Is Involved in a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run can involve pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists. Motorists may be involved in a hit and run when another driver strikes their vehicle or causes them to crash into something else because they avoid being hit by another vehicle. 

Pedestrians are often victims of hit and runs when they are struck by a car while walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street. Bicyclists may also be involved in a hit and run when they are struck by another vehicle while riding down the street.

What Causes People to Flee?

A motorist may panic and flee the scene of an accident to escape being found to blame. Some drivers fled the scene because they lacked a legal driver’s license and current insurance. However, hit-and-run accidents in West Virginia are considered highly grave moving violations.

After a Hit-and-Run, What Should You Do?

• Do not chase the fleeing driver: This might put you in danger, lead you to lose valuable evidence such as eyewitness testimony, and cause the authorities to suspect your guilt.
• Call 911: This is particularly important if someone has been hurt or if your car has been damaged for more than $500. In some situations, West Virginia law mandates that 911 be called. It’s also crucial to get an official accident report, which you may do by dialing 911.
• Do gather as much information as possible regarding the other driver, car, and collision, including:

1. License plate number
2. The make, model, and color of the other vehicle, as well as any other identifying details
3. Description of the other vehicle’s damage
4. Direction where the other vehicle is going
5. The accident’s location, date, time, and cause
6. The other driver’s description, as well as any passengers

• Identify witnesses, collect their contact information, and inquire whether they have any more information regarding the collision, the other motorist, or any other pertinent information that could assist the authorities in locating and/or identifying the other driver.

Will Insurance Cover a Hit-and-run in West Virginia?

West Virginia Automobile Insurance Requirements

All motor vehicles registered in West Virginia must be protected by liability insurance that provides at least the following minimum amounts of coverage:

• $25,000 in liability coverage for one person’s physical damage or death in an accident caused by the insured vehicle’s owner/driver.
• $50,000 liability coverage for complete bodily injury or death responsibility in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the covered vehicle.
• $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident caused by the owner/driver of the covered vehicle.

Liability coverage pays for the medical expenditures, property damage bills, and other costs incurred by drivers, passengers, and pedestrians injured or whose vehicle is damaged in a car accident caused by you.

It is recommended to get extra coverage to protect yourself in the event of a significant automobile accident resulting in substantial car accident injuries and vehicle damage. When your policy limits are depleted, you are personally liable; therefore, larger insurance coverage may help in safeguarding your personal assets in the case of a major catastrophe.

Remember that liability coverage does not cover your personal injuries or vehicle damage in the event of a West Virginia automobile accident. If you’re in a vehicle accident and no one else’s coverage applies to your losses, you’ll need separate (extra) coverage.

Hire a Wheeling, West Virginia Hit and Run Attorneys, or Handle Your Own Claim?

When you’re in a car accident, you can usually handle the claim yourself. The other driver’s insurance company will compensate you for any covered property damage or injuries. Sometimes, however, the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your losses. You might want to hire a local attorney to fight for your rights in this situation.

If you’ve been engaged in a car accident, whether another driver caused it or not, contact an experienced Wheeling auto accident lawyer. These attorneys are familiar with the insurance claims process and know how to negotiate with insurers and get you the money you need to cover your medical bills and other costs. They also know how to take legal action if necessary to recover money that isn’t available through insurance.

Takeaway: Hiring a skilled hit-and-run lawyer can benefit your case.

No one deserves to be injured in an accident that isn’t their fault. No one should ever have to deal with the hassle of insurance companies that can’t seem to agree on anything—especially if that accident was due to someone else’s negligence. So remember, if you’ve been a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek out the services of a top-notch car accident attorney. 

A skilled hit-and-run lawyer will know how to pursue your claim, deal with insurance companies, and even fight for you through the justice system. Give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with hit-and-run attorneys at Ghaphery Law Offices PLLC.