Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, it can seem incomprehensible that anyone would be reckless enough to cause a crash and callous enough to leave another human being seriously injured on the roadway. When you’re involved in a car wreck, you probably expect the other driver to stick around. After all, it’s what a reasonable person would do, right? Besides, leaving an accident scene is illegal in Kansas. Unfortunately, negligent drivers will take off anyway. Now, what do you do?
You aren’t out of options when a driver hits you and abandons you at the accident scene. There are still ways for victims to recover compensation by having the outstanding hit-and-run accident attorneys from Bretz Injury Law on your side.
Through skilled representation and unwavering commitment to justice, our Kansas personal injury lawyers have built a legacy of success and recovered over $300 million for our clients. Our legal team is dedicated to ensuring every effort is made to secure a favorable outcome for your case, even if the hit-and-run driver has not yet been identified or turns out to be uninsured. Contact us online or call 620.RESULTS to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a Hit-And-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is a crash in which the at-fault driver knowingly fails to fulfill their duty to stop and give certain information after a collision and flees the accident scene before they can be identified.
Under Kansas hit-and-run laws, which can be found in Kansas Statutes Annotated Section 8-1604, drivers are required to stop after a crash and provide certain information to avoid a hit-and-run charge. Specifically, the statute requires motorists to take the following steps immediately after an accident:
- Stop at the accident scene or as close to the scene as possible without disrupting traffic more than is necessary.
- Give your contact and vehicle information, including your name, address, and vehicle registration number, to other parties involved.
- Upon request, you must provide your driving permit and insurance information to the driver, pedestrian, or occupant of the struck vehicle.
- Make an immediate effort to access the scene and determine if anyone involved in the crash is hurt, dead, or in need of assistance.
- Render reasonable aid to anyone injured, including making arrangements to transport the injured person to a hospital.
Reasons Why Hit-And-Run Drivers Don’t Stop
Did you know a hit-and-run crash happens in the United States every 43 seconds? According to a fatality crash report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021 alone, 2,872 people were killed in hit-and-run accidents — an increase of 11% from 2,596 in 2020. Sadly, Kansas is not unfamiliar with hit-and-run accidents. Roughly 6,719 crashes in the Sunflower State involved a hit-and-run, stolen vehicle, or police pursuit in 2021.
It is illegal to leave the accident scene when property damage occurs, or someone is hurt or killed. Besides, the penalties for a hit-and-run are pretty real and far-reaching. A hit-and-run conviction can cost drivers hefty fines and prison sentences. Still, some drivers drive away. Why?
Here are some reasons drivers leave the scene of an accident:
- Driving without a license or with a suspended license
- Impaired driving
- Immigration issues
- No insurance
- The driver has an active warrant out
- Driving a stolen vehicle
- Fear of criminal charges and other consequences, including financial liability
- Panic
Regardless of the rationale that hit-and-drivers use, a hit-and-run is never excusable. The fact is, they committed a crime the minute they decided to flee the scene. We will leave no stone unturned in gathering critical evidence and identifying the at-fault driver. We’re who you need, when you’re in need.
What To Do After a Hit-And-Run Crash
Often, hit-and-run crashes leave victims feeling helpless, unsupported, angry, and unsure of what to do next. It can be difficult to know what steps to take next at the moment. Rest assured, though, there are measures you can take to protect yourself and your rights to secure compensation after a hit-and-run accident.
Immediately following a hit-and-run crash, try not to panic. Remain calm, and don’t chase after the other driver. You could place yourself and others in danger. Instead, if capable, you should do the following:
- Remain at the scene and call the police to report the accident
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information
- Take pictures of the fleeing vehicle and the accident scene
- Make notes about anything you remember about the other car, the driver, and the crash
- Get prompt medical treatment
- Call Bretz Injury Law
Things are scary and stressful enough after a car accident when everyone involved remains at the scene. When the at-fault driver takes off, they worsen an already tough situation. Being a victim of a hit-and-run accident can be particularly troubling, having to deal with the daunting aftermath of the crash. You now face extensive medical treatment, possible lasting injuries, and a myriad of other painful complications — physical, mental, and financial.
The experienced hit-and-run car accident lawyers at Bretz Injury Law are here to help and guide you at every step. We are ready to assist with every aspect of your hit-and-run accident case.
Common Injuries From Hit-And-Run Accidents
As much as we try to avoid them, car accidents inevitably occur. Unfortunately, when they happen, the resulting injuries can affect victims for years. Below are common injuries seen in hit-and-run accidents. If you or a loved one has sustained any of these car wreck injuries, seek medical care immediately.
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fractured bones
- Cuts and scrapes
- Internal bleeding
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- PTSD and other emotional injuries
- Wrongful death
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you must prioritize your well-being. Because of the shock and adrenaline rush from the accident, you may not feel the pain of some injuries right away. Please, do yourself the kindness of getting prompt medical care. The sooner your injuries are diagnosed and a treatment plan is prescribed, the better.
No matter what injuries you sustained, the aftermath of a Kansas hit-and-run collision can be stressful, emotionally draining, and costly. At Bretz Injury Law, we are well aware that your injuries could have worsened because of not getting more immediate medical care and that this, too, is the fault of the hit-and-run driver who drove off and left you helpless. We fight each and every day, striving tirelessly to get the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
Getting Compensation for Injuries and Damages After a Hit-And-Run Accident
One of the most common questions on the minds of hit-and-run accident victims is, “What are my legal options?” How do I recover damages when the driver who hit me cannot be identified?
Of course, nothing can turn back time and prevent the crash from happening. However, there are several options for hit-and-run victims to recover, including:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits
All motorists in Kansas are required to carry no-fault insurance coverage. If you have been hurt in a hit-and-run, you can seek compensation from your own insurance company. Your PIP will pay for economic losses, up to a certain amount, including:
- Allowable medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of income
- In-home essential services
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Kansas law also mandates that all auto insurance policies issued in the state must include minimum uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. UM coverage covers expenses for you and the occupants of your vehicle after a crash if the other driver is not insured or does not have enough to pay for the damages.
Unfortunately, PIP and UIM insurance will only cover damages up to your policy limits. It’s also important to note that PIP and UIM do not cover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. To recover non-economic damages and to make up the difference when your damages exceed your insurance limits, you’ll need to sue the at-fault driver, provided the hit-and-run driver can be identified.
Contact a Kansas Hit-And-Run Lawyer at Bretz Injury Law Today
Being injured in a car wreck is always frightening, but getting into an accident and having the other driver speed away makes the experience more devastating and upsetting. Not only were you hit, but the other driver left you injured, helpless, and holding the bill. But don’t lose hope just yet — an experienced car accident lawyer with Bretz Injury Law has your back.
At Bretz Injury Law, we know too well the profound physical pain, mental trauma, and financial hardships that hit-and-run accident victims are forced to endure. We will offer you compassion and diligence as we fight to provide you with the best chance of recovery. Even if the at-fault driver cannot be identified, we can help. Our legal team is not afraid of challenging cases.
Keep in mind that we haven’t sent a bill to an injured client since 1991. That means you can get superior legal representation when you need it most. Let us help. Complete a free online case evaluation form or call 620.RESULTS to schedule a free consultation.
Find out how we can help you. Schedule an appointment today with us. We’re here for you when you need us most.
