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After a hit-and-run, most people are left asking the same question, “What is my case actually worth?” The truth is, no two cases are the same, and the outcome depends on the details of the crash.
At Desert Star Law Group, we help clients across Arizona understand their options and fight for the full compensation they deserve, even when the at-fault driver tries to disappear. If you have questions about your case, call (602) 686-9936 for a free consultation.
Being in a car accident is always a traumatic experience. But when the other driver flees the scene, leaving you to fend for yourself, it can be even worse. It’s notoriously difficult to get information about the driver who caused the hit-and-run.
If you are able to eventually identify the culprit, you may be able to file a suit with the Arizona civil courts, seeking compensation for your expenses and pain and suffering. How much that compensation may be depends on several factors.
Hit-and-run accidents are an unfortunate reality in Arizona and across the country, and there are a variety of reasons someone may leave the scene of an accident. It’s common for someone to drive away without stopping after an accident, especially if they were drinking or under the influence of a substance. They may believe they will be caught and leave before the police arrive at the scene to try to avoid a DUI or other charges.
Someone may also leave the scene of a crash because they were driving without a valid license or have a warrant out for their arrest. As above, the driver may think that they can evade arrest if they don’t wait to be questioned by police.
Lastly, someone may commit a hit-and-run without realizing it. This is common in parking lots or very minor fender benders, where a driver may not be aware that they bumped into another car.
Vehicles are often one of the most expensive things many people own. When there’s a wreck that necessitates auto repairs, the cost can be thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. But that’s just to get your vehicle back in running shape. It’s also important to factor in medical expenses from being assessed after the accident and any treatment for injuries. Depending on how serious the accident was and how severe the injuries were, this can also be thousands of dollars.
The cost of a hit-and-run isn’t limited to simple calculations, which is why compensation for hit and run cases often includes more than just financial losses. It should also include the mental and emotional costs. Being in a hit-and-run accident can make you fearful about driving again, potentially leading to a loss of independence. The pain and suffering you experience as you heal from your injuries also deserve compensation. All of this together can add up to a significant amount and a potential personal injury case.
There are so many factors involved in car accident settlements. We often hear people ask about the average settlement for hit and run car accident cases. In general, a car accident settlement can sometimes fall within a broad range, such as $10,000 to $50,000 in less severe cases, though there are many exceptions. A settlement may be only a few thousand dollars or could be into the six- or seven-figure range.
The best way to find out how much your hit-and-run settlement amount could be after an accident is to speak with an attorney who has experience with these kinds of car accident cases. These types of accidents are a bit different from regular car accidents because there may be other factors involved, such as the driver not being identified, which may also mean there is no applicable insurance coverage.
Having an understanding of what factors influence how much a hit-and-run settlement is can help you have more accurate expectations. The more serious your injuries and the greater your expenses, the more your case may be worth. Compensation in a personal injury case is often influenced by the economic damages you sustained, along with non-economic factors like pain and suffering.
Another factor that can contribute to your settlement amount is whether the other driver had insurance. It’s not unusual for hit-and-run drivers to flee the scene because they don’t have car insurance, and in this case, it can be difficult to get a large settlement because the person likely also doesn’t have the assets to be able to pay it. If the person does have insurance, how much your settlement is might be limited by what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Finally, your settlement amount may be influenced by how strong your case is, and this is something that your attorney will discuss with you. A stronger case may improve your chances of reaching a higher settlement because the other party’s legal team may not want to risk losing in court and their client having to pay a much higher amount.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney may increase your settlement amount. An attorney has in-depth knowledge of the Arizona statutes that are relevant to personal injury cases so they understand how to argue your case. They also have experience with negotiating with insurance companies and other lawyers.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident and you’re wondering if you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, it’s time to meet with an attorney.
At Desert Star Law Group, we work with our clients to help them understand what their rights and legal options are and the pros and cons of going to trial or taking a settlement offer.
Schedule your appointment with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your hit-and-run accident by calling (602) 686-9936 today.
