Were You the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident in Jackson, Mississippi?

A hit and run accident is a car accident in which the other driver flees the scene of the crash. After every accident in Mississippi, drivers are required, at minimum, to stop and render aid and to exchange information with the other driver. If there were injuries in the accident or if there was significant property damage, drivers might also be required under the law to report the accident to police. Even if your accident was minor, you may want to report the accident to police because a police report can be useful when making an insurance claim. Hit and run accidents can be difficult for victims, because unlike an accident in which both drivers are present and are able to disentangle who was at fault for the crash, victims of a hit and run might find themselves facing medical bills and property damage costs on their own. However, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you may still be able to make a claim with your insurance company for damages and losses. The Law Offices of Malouf & Malouf, PLLC is a car accident law firm in Jackson, Mississippi that works with victims of many different types of car crashes. Our firm can review your hit and run claim and may be able to assist you in taking the next steps to seek justice and compensation for your losses. What Steps Can You Take After a Hit and Run Accident in Jackson, Mississippi? It is illegal to flee the scene of an accident in Mississippi. At the very least, both drivers in an accident are required to stop, render aid, and exchange their names, addresses, license information, and vehicle registration numbers. Most drivers will also choose to exchange insurance information. However, sometimes drivers flee the scene of an accident, either because they are intoxicated, don’t have insurance, or are frightened of any interaction with the law. If you’ve been a victim of a hit and run in Jackson, Mississippi, there are some steps you can take right away to protect yourself. At the scene of an accident, your memory will likely be best right after the crash. If you can remember the make and model of the vehicle that fled the scene, write this down. Did you get a glimpse of the other driver? If you can remember a physical description of the other driver, take the time to write this description down. Did you see how the other vehicle was damaged? If so, take note of this. This could help police identify the vehicle later. If other people saw what happened and have additional information, get their contact information and write down what they remember seeing. While you might be tempted to follow the other driver, don’t do this. This could be dangerous, and it also could lead to the loss of important evidence of your crash that may be available at the accident scene. Call the police to report the accident. Police are trained to investigate hit and run accidents. They can see if evidence was left on the road or on your vehicle, and may be able to look closely at the highway to see if there is evidence of the other vehicle, like paint chips. Police may also be able to see if there is any video evidence of the accident. After calling the police and reporting the accident, it may also be a good idea to call your insurance company and report the accident to your insurer as well. You may have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which may be able to cover you for damages to your vehicle, even if the hit and run driver was at fault. Most insurance policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and the law requires insurers to inform you that you are “opting out” to this insurance if you choose not to have it. If you are not sure whether you are covered for uninsured or underinsured drivers, the time to check to see if you have this insurance coverage is before an accident takes place. Having trouble with a claim because you’ve been in a hit and run accident? Malouf & Malouf is a car accident law firm in Jackson, Mississippi that may be able to help you. You may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim and hit and run claims can sometimes be complex. Our attorneys can review your case, speak to insurance adjusters, and may be able to hold negligent parties accountable for your losses if the hit and run driver is later identified. Contact Malouf & Malouf today or reach out to USAttorneys.com to get matched with our car accident lawyers.