- Home
- Louisville Car Accident Attorney
- Hit-and-Run Accidents in Louisville
Serving Louisville and All of Kentucky
If you were a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Louisville, you may have legal options. When a driver collides with another vehicle or pedestrian, and then flees the scene without providing contact information or assisting the injured, victims face many hurdles. In these cases, there is not only the immediate trauma of the accident but also the difficulty of pursuing justice and compensation. In a hit-and-run, the lack of information makes it harder to hold the driver accountable and seek compensation for damages.
Whether you know the driver or are in the process of locating them, we always recommend hiring a hit-and-run attorney to help during this time. These cases can be complicated, even when the driver is found. If you would like to learn more about how McCoy & Hiestand, PLC can assist, contact us for a free evaluation of your case.
Hit-and-Run Incidents Are More Complicated for Accident Victims
In a regular car accident, both drivers stop, exchange information, and report the accident to the local law enforcement agency. However, in a hit-and-run, the driver at fault flees the scene. Without knowing who caused the accident, it can be challenging to get compensation for damages. According to the Kentucky Transportation Center, there were 11,012 hit-and-run incidents, leaving 1,206 individuals injured and 28 people killed, in 2022.
Unfortunately, these incidents happen in the blink of an eye. Sometimes, if there are no witnesses or surveillance cameras, it can be hard to gather evidence. Without the other car’s license plate number or a witness statement, proving what happened and who is liable becomes more difficult.
Also, when the driver responsible for the accident can’t be found, it complicates filing an insurance claim. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance might cover some of the costs. However, without this policy, you may have to pay for repairs and medical bills out of pocket, which can put a financial burden on your shoulders. In these situations, you need an experienced car accident attorney in Louisville to assist with your case.
Schedule A Consultation
You still have rights even if the driver who hit you leaves the scene of the accident. Learn more about your legal rights during your free consultation. Schedule today.
What Compensation Could You Collect?
If you find the driver responsible for a hit-and-run accident, you have several options for seeking compensation for your damages and losses. They include:
Medical Expenses
You can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any related treatments. If you require long-term medical care or rehabilitation, you can also claim compensation for these costs.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This includes the income you would have earned during your recovery period. In cases where there is a long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to earn an income, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation can be awarded for the physical pain and discomfort you experience due to the accident and your injuries. You can also claim damages for emotional suffering, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident.
Even if you don’t know the identity of the liable driver, you still will want to contact an attorney experienced in hit-and-run crashes. They can help you learn more about your options and what you can do while law enforcement searches for the responsible party.
Why Legal Help Is Needed After Hit-and-Run Accidents in Louisville
Being involved in a hit-and-run incident is traumatic. But if you’ve been a victim of this type of accident, you need to start the legal process as soon as possible.
Identifying the driver who fled is often the biggest challenge. When you take legal action, your attorney has more time to investigate and collect evidence. During this time, they can review surveillance footage, speak with witnesses, or work with law enforcement to track down the vehicle. The sooner the investigation begins, the better the chances of identifying the responsible party.
In any case, evidence is key. However, it can quickly disappear or become less reliable over time. By starting the legal process right away, you ensure that evidence is preserved and documented while still fresh. This can help strengthen your case.
Even if you cannot find the driver immediately, you may still have time to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations in Kentucky is two years from the day of the incident. Hopefully, you will not have to wait that long to find the driver, but there is time to build a case against the suspected party.
A hit-and-run accident in Louisville can leave you with substantial medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages. If the driver who hit you is identified, you can seek compensation from their insurance or through a lawsuit. Even if the driver remains unknown, starting the legal process quickly can help you explore other avenues for compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage. The sooner you act, the sooner you can begin to recover the financial support you need.
These accidents are not just civil matters; they are also criminal offenses. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes 189.580, all vehicle operators “shall immediately stop and ascertain the extent of the injury or damage and render reasonable assistance.” Drivers also “shall give the occupant of the vehicle, or person struck, if requested, the registration number of the vehicle, if any, and also the names and addresses of the owner, the occupants, and operator.” By starting the legal process, you can work with law enforcement to ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions. This can lead to criminal charges against the driver, along with any civil claims for damages.
Finally, starting the legal process right away protects your rights throughout the investigation and any legal proceedings. Your lawyer can advise you on the best course of action, help you avoid common pitfalls, and represent your interests against insurance companies or in court. Early action also prevents the other party from taking steps that could weaken your case.
What Happens If You Can't Find the Driver?
When you cannot find the driver, your ability to pursue legal action is severely limited. In these cases, you may have to use your own insurance or pay out of your pocket for the costs.
Uninsured motorist coverage is a part of many auto insurance policies. In situations where you are involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver, it can help cover the costs of medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages. These policies can remove some financial strain when the at-fault driver is unidentified.
If the hit-and-run driver cannot be held accountable, you may have to bear the financial burden of paying these expenses. These are the unfortunate outcomes of these cases. While you hope it does not lead to that, you do have to think about that possibility with these types of accidents.
Contact Us After a Hit-and-Run Incident in Louisville
After a hit-and-run accident, it can be a very stressful and confusing time. For this reason, you will want to consult with a Louisville hit-and-run lawyer if you were significantly injured in a crash where the driver fled the scene. With help from our law firm, we will make sure your rights are protected as the process to locate the driver begins.
Even if you don’t know the identity of the driver, you still want a qualified car accident attorney on your side. Schedule an evaluation of your case, and find out how McCoy & Hiestand, PLC can assist with these legal matters.
Free Consultation
Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Louisville Now
Hurt and confused after being involved in a hit-and-run accident? You're not alone. Learn more about your legal options when you schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
