Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

A hit and run accident is when a driver involved in a car accident leaves the scene without providing their contact information or helping those who may be injured. Here are some examples of what counts as a hit and run accident.

A hit and run accident can also be a motor vehicle accident if one driver leaves the scene without checking on the other party or exchanging their details. Hit and run accidents can also be motor vehicle accidents, cycling accidents, or pedestrian accidents. The defining factor is that one party has left the scene without helping the injured person or sharing their details.

A hit and run accident can result in a range of different injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries we see.

Medical expenses

Compensation for all medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, GP visits, specialist consultations, rehabilitation, medications, and any other treatments related to your injuries.

Rehabilitation costs

Coverage for physical therapy, chiropractic care, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services needed for your recovery.

Loss of income

Compensation for both past and future lost wages due to your inability to work because of your injuries. This can include salary, bonuses, and other forms of income you would have earned.

Pain and suffering

Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. This compensation considers the severity of your injuries and the impact on your quality of life.

Travel expenses

Reimbursement for travel costs from attending medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other necessary travel related to your recovery.

Care and assistance

Compensation for the cost of domestic help, like cleaning, gardening, and home maintenance, whether provided by professionals or family members.

Maintenance costs

Expenses related to modifications needed for your home or vehicle due to your injuries, such as ramps, handrails, or specialised equipment.

Out-of-pocket expenses

Coverage for additional expenses directly related to your injuries, such as medical aids, over-the-counter medications, and other necessary items.

Psychological therapy

Compensation for counselling or therapy to address trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or other psychological issues resulting from the accident.

Loss of enjoyment of life

Damages for the impact on your ability to participate in hobbies, social activities, and other aspects of your life that you enjoyed before the accident.

This is very much a case-by-case figure.

For example, let’s consider loss of income. If two different people both claimed compensation for loss of income due to being unable to work, but one person is self-employed and earns $100,000 annually while the other is employed part-time, earning $30,000 annually — the compensation amounts will differ significantly.

Or, consider pain and suffering. If two individuals suffer similar injuries but one experiences chronic pain requiring long-term treatment and the other recovers quickly without lasting effects, the compensation for pain and suffering will vary greatly between them.

Factors such as the severity of injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and the overall impact on your life will greatly influence the amount of compensation you can claim. Personal circumstances like age, career, income, and pre-existing medical conditions will also play a significant role in determining the compensation amount.

When it comes to hit and run accidents, it’s important to act quickly to protect your right to compensation.

If you have been injured as a result of a hit and run accident or any motor vehicle accident involving an unidentified or unregistered vehicle very strict time limits apply.   You have three months from the date of the accident to notify the Nominal Defendant or within one month of your first consultation with a lawyer regarding the possibility of making a claim – whichever is the earlier of the two dates  If you do not notify the Nominal Defendant within three months of the date of the accident, you must then notify the Nominal Defendant within 9 months of the date of the accident and also provide a reasonable excuse for delay which is satisfactory to the Nominal Defendant otherwise the claim will be lost or statute barred.  Once the Nominal Defendant has been notified of the claim by the delivery of a Notice of Accident Claim Form, you must commence court proceedings within three years of the date of the accident otherwise the claim will be lost or statute barred.

Gather evidence immediately, including photos, witness statements, and relevant documents. Seek medical attention ASAP, as medical records are essential for your claim. Consult a personal injury lawyer early to ensure you meet all deadlines and can maximise your compensation. Notify your insurance company and relevant parties promptly to avoid complications.

Your lawyer at vbr Lawyers will take a unique approach to your personal injury claim. We work to make your claim as simple as possible.

Talk with a lawyer

Start the process by speaking with a lawyer about your personal injury claim. This chat will take about 30 minutes, but we’ll spend as long as necessary with you. We’ll try to gain an understanding of your claim and what’s happened so far.

Get a letter of advice

Following your initial chat, you’ll receive a letter of advice. This will detail what we recommend for your next steps. You’ll get this a few days after that chat, and it will be delivered in simple-to-understand terms. If you haven’t already, we always recommend seeking medical advice first.

Start the process

As soon as you give us the go-ahead, we’ll start the claim process. This will look different for every hit and run accident claim, but it generally begins with notifying the at-fault party, CTP insurers, and any other relevant parties.

Collecting the right evidence is so important to build a strong compensation claim. Here’s what you should try and collect.

Accident details

Record all the details of the accident, including the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors. Take photos of the scene from multiple angles.

Vehicle information

Document the make, model, and registration numbers of the vehicle involved, if possible. Try to note any distinctive features of the vehicle and any part of the licence plate number you can remember.

Witness statements

Collect contact information and statements from any witnesses who saw the accident. Their accounts can be invaluable in supporting your claim.

Police report

If the police were called to the scene, obtain a copy of the police report. This official record can provide important details about the accident and any initial findings.

Medical records

Keep a detailed record of all medical treatments and expenses related to the accident. This includes GP visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any other treatments.

Photos of injuries

Take photos of any visible injuries sustained as soon as possible after the accident and during your recovery.

Insurance correspondence

Maintain a log of all communications with your insurer and any other insurance companies involved in the claim.

Proof of lost income

Record any lost income with supporting documents such as payslips, employment records, and any other proof of missed work due to the accident.

Proof of additional expenses

Keep receipts and records of any additional expenses related to the accident.