Hit and run accidents can be some of the most devastating accidents on the road. If you or your loved one is the victim of a hit and run accident, it is vital to reach out to a reputable Massachusetts car accident lawyer who can help. At The Law Offices of Barry Feinstein & Affiliates P.C. , we are committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims who have been seriously injured by someone else’s negligence. When you hire us to represent you, you can trust that you are in good hands.
A hit and run accident occurs when one party to an accident flees the scene of that accident. In other words, the driver of a motor vehicle hits someone and continues driving in an effort to avoid liability. Unfortunately, pedestrians and cyclists are often the ones injured in these types of accidents.
In Massachusetts, under MGL c. 90 s. 24, if a driver knowingly collides with or causes injury to another vehicle, property or person, that driver must provide the following information to the injured party before leaving the scene of the accident: their name, residence and registration number of their motor vehicle. Under state law, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information and/or calling the police if someone is hurt. In fact, leaving the scene of an accident that caused an injury or death carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence.
Nowadays, we have the advantage of being able to turn to technology to get to the bottom of hit and run accidents. Any and all camera footage, plus other technological resources, can be examined to identify and locate the driver.
If the driver of a hit and run accident is located, the injured victim may be able to recover compensation for their harm through a personal injury lawsuit. The vast majority of personal injury cases in Massachusetts are rooted in the legal theory of negligence. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to use the level of care that a reasonably competent driver would use under the same or similar circumstances, thereby causing an accident and injury.
If the driver is not located, you may be feeling hopeless. However, you should know you still have a chance to recover compensation. Unlike a typical car accident case, the victims of hit and run accidents can look to their own auto liability insurance policies for compensation under the uninsured motorist (UM) provisions in their policies if the hit and run driver cannot be found or has insufficient insurance coverage. Passengers, pedestrians and bicycle riders can also turn to their own insurer for UM benefits, provided they have such coverage.
Hit and run crashes can be extremely scary and overwhelming. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, you need to reach out to a seasoned Massachusetts auto accident attorney without delay. At The Law Offices of Barry Feinstein & Affiliates P.C. , we are committed to getting our clients full compensation in their cases. With over 25 years of experience, you can rest assured that we understand how to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. For more information, do not hesitate to call us today at 1-800-262-9200 or reach us through our website.
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