How Much Does a Hit and Run Settlement Cost?
In general, the answer to this question is “it depends.” The amount of compensation you receive can vary significantly depending on your case. This is especially true if you are suffering from catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injury or brain damage.
A good lawyer can help you determine what your settlement will be based on your specific circumstances. The more information your lawyer can gather about your accident, the better your chances of securing a substantial payout.
Hit-and-run cases usually involve the other driver fleeing the scene of an accident. This is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges if the other party is found and charged.
There are many different factors that can impact the final value of a hit-and-run claim, including your own insurance coverage and the other driver’s uninsured motorist coverage. You should also be aware that in some states, like New York, a hit-and-run claim may be complicated by the state’s no-fault law.
Typically, a driver’s own insurance company will pay for any medical bills and lost wages associated with an auto accident. However, if your economic losses exceed the amount of your own insurance, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability policy.
You will need to prove that you were the victim of a hit-and-run. This includes providing evidence that the driver was at fault and that their actions caused the accident. This can include evidence of how the other driver’s recklessness contributed to the crash, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How much you are entitled to will depend on the extent of your injuries, the amount of property damage and whether you were able to secure eyewitness testimony. Your attorney will work closely with experts to gather all of the necessary evidence for a fair and just settlement.
Your damages will be a combination of compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to cover your current and future medical expenses, as well as any other costs you may have incurred due to the collision.
This includes things such as doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and prescription medication. In addition to this, you will likely be able to collect damages for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In some cases, you can also be awarded punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their behavior. These can be particularly high amounts, and can dramatically increase the value of your hit-and-run case.
A hit-and-run lawsuit is a complex and expensive process, so it’s important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your case. Your lawyer will be able to provide you with a fair and reasonable compensation offer, as well as the guidance you need to prepare for your trial.