Have you been involved in a recent hit and run accident? Hit and run crashes can upend your life, and it may be hard to see a path through the chaotic aftermath. If you’ve been hurt by a driver who fled the scene, you need to speak to a hit and run accident lawyer in Minneapolis.
Postman Law has represented countless clients in numerous high-stakes personal injury claims. We are highly familiar with pursuing hit and run accident cases and will use every resource and strategy available to recover your losses.
Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a Minneapolis car accident lawyer about your case.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Minneapolis
You should always work with an attorney after a car accident, especially a hit and run crash.
Below are just a few of the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis for legal representation:
- Administrative support. A lawyer can manage the process of gathering documents and filing claim paperwork. Administrative and filing errors can delay your claim, but a lawyer can keep things on track.
- Legal guidance. A lawyer can also provide general legal guidance. They can evaluate the evidence in your case, calculate your losses, and assess your chances of success.
- Negotiation leverage. Most importantly, a lawyer provides invaluable negotiating leverage. Insurers use all kinds of tactics to avoid paying, but a lawyer can counter them.
For a free legal consultation with a hit-and-run accident lawyer serving Minneapolis, call 844-767-8626
Why Do People Flee the Scene of an Accident?
A hit and run is a serious crime, which naturally raises the question: Why do people flee the scene of auto accidents?
There are several reasons why a person might run away after causing a crash:
- They panic and make a snap decision to flee.
- They don’t have insurance and can’t pay for an accident.
- They are driving without a valid license or on a suspended license.
- They are intoxicated on alcohol or drugs.
- The vehicle is stolen, or the driver has outstanding warrants.
Regardless of the reason, fleeing the scene of an accident can be punished harshly with both criminal penalties and civil lawsuits from the injured party.
Minneapolis Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 844-767-8626
Who Pays for My Losses After a Hit and Run Accident?
Minnesota is a no-fault auto insurance state, so your first line of compensation after any car accident is your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services necessitated by your injuries, such as housekeeping costs.
In a normal car accident case, you’d file a liability claim with the other driver after exhausting your PIP coverage. In a hit and run case, the other driver is unknown. So instead, you’d file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your auto policy.
A UM claim proceeds largely the same as a typical car accident claim, except your insurance company plays the role of the other driver’s insurer. You will submit a claim and provide evidence of your injuries and losses before receiving a settlement.
What if the Driver Is Later Identified?
If the hit and run driver is later identified by the police, then you can file a lawsuit against them. However, if the driver doesn’t have insurance, it’s unlikely that they’ll have the assets to pay for car accident losses out-of-pocket.
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Compensation You Can Recover After a Hit and Run
Depending on your circumstances, a Minneapolis hit and run accident lawyer can pursue financial compensation for the following types of losses:
- Emergency medical bills and continuing medical expenses (e.g., prescriptions, rehabilitation, etc.)
- Lost income from missing work and other employment compensation (e.g., PTO, vacations, etc.)
- Reductions in your lifetime earning capacity due to disability or impairments
- Replacement costs of household services (e.g., housekeeping, childcare, etc.)
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional suffering
- Loss of life enjoyment and the capacity to engage in hobbies
- Discomfort and inconvenience from scarring and disfigurement
If the driver is later identified, then there may also be the possibility of punitive damages. These are additional damages a court may order if the offender displayed especially egregious behavior, like fleeing the scene of an accident.
Time Limit for Filing a Hit and Run Accident Lawsuit
MN Statutes 541.05 gives you up to six years to file a lawsuit after a hit and run accident. Minnesota’s time limit is longer than that in many other states, but you shouldn’t wait to get started.
Delays can harm your case and make it harder to gather evidence and connect your injuries to the accident. A lawyer can initiate your claim quickly and reduce the chances of claim denials or complications.
Contact a Minneapolis Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
A hit and run accident can change your life forever, leading to a life of medical treatments and difficulties. You deserve a chance to recover your losses, and a lawyer on our team can make that happen. Other firms promise, but Postman Law delivers.
Contact our offices online or call us today by phone to speak to a Minneapolis hit and run lawyer. Consultations are free, so reach out whenever is convenient for you.