Do You Need a Boston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer?
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that fatal hit-and-run accidents have risen by 60% since 2009. Additionally, research indicates that around 682,000 hit-and-run crashes have taken place annually since 2006.
Car accidents happen every day, and unfortunately, some of them are hit-and-run. Cases in which a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident flees the scene of the incident are called hit-and-run accidents. If a victim of this type of accident is unable to collect the offending driver’s license plate or other information, they still may have a car accident claim.
In every Massachusetts Automobile Policy, there is a provision that provides for uninsured motorist coverage. When an individual is involved in a hit-and-run, this provision is triggered, allowing recovery even if the driver or offending vehicle is unknown. If you have recently been in an accident, you may need a Boston hit-and-run accident lawyer.
- Do You Need a Boston Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer?
- Boston Hit-and-Run Laws
- What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Boston
- Meet our team!
- About Our Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
- Client Reviews
- Uninsured Motorist Claims in Massachusetts
- Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Types of Injuries After a Hit-and-Run Accident
- How a Boston Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Can Help
- What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Boston?
- Pursuing Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident
- Contact Our Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
- 30-Day, Risk-Free Guarantee
Boston Hit-and-Run Laws
The laws regarding Boston hit-and-run accidents are pretty clear. If you are the driver and cause injury to a person not resulting in death and choose to leave the accident scene, this is considered a misdemeanor offense. When tried, your conviction will punish you by mandatory minimum imprisonment of six months and up to two years, or a fine between $500 and $1,000.
Additionally, if the hit-and-run involves property damage or injury, you may also face suspension or revocation of your driver’s license for up to one year, as detailed under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 90, Section 24. In addition, victims may be eligible for compensation in such car accident cases.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Boston
Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you receive full and fair compensation as an outcome of a hit-and-run crash. First and foremost, be sure to assess the scene and remove yourself from further danger if you are able. Once you are in a safe place, here are the things to do after a car accident.
1. Take Photos
As soon as you can, take photos of the place where the accident happened. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle or person. If you are unable to take the photos yourself, especially if you have sustained serious injuries, ask a witness to do so on your behalf.
The more photos you can take of the car crash scene, the better. Here is a quick checklist on what to capture in your hit-and-run car accident photos:
- The accident scene
- Surrounding area
- Injuries
- Debris.
2. Call the Authorities
If you have not done so already, be sure to call 911 so that you can be properly treated for any personal injury you may have incurred. Also, the police officer on the scene can help to further document the incident. Police may also have the ability to check nearby security cameras to witness traffic violations that might have led to the accident and to determine the other vehicles involved.
A police report is a must if you choose to seek compensation from a negligent driver. If you can’t call 911 on your own, be sure to ask a bystander or witness to do so on your behalf.
3. Get Medical Help
When you call 911, the operator will ask if you need to seek medical treatment or if there are any accident victims who have sustained bodily injury. In the case of obvious or suspected injuries, an ambulance will be sent to the scene.
Understand that not all injuries present themselves right away. Even traumatic brain injuries resulting from the Boston car accident might not be obvious immediately. Thus, it’s important to consult with a doctor after the accident even if you feel fine.
4. Contact a Trusted Hit-and-Run Lawyer
After a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to reach out to experienced Boston car accident lawyers. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, helping you gather evidence, handle medical bills, and pursue a car accident lawsuit if necessary.
Don’t try to manage this challenging situation alone—having the right legal support can make all the difference in your recovery and your case. Contact our Massachusetts car accident lawyers for a free consultation today!
Meet our team!
About Our Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers
At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, we represent victims of hit-and-run accidents across Massachusetts, with a strong focus on cases in Boston, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Brockton, Lowell, Worcester, Fall River, Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, Chelsea, Arlington, Medford, Winchester, Waltham, Newton, Randolph, Quincy, Marlborough, and beyond.
Our practice is built on trust, and we believe that when you hire us, you deserve direct access to your attorney—not a case manager or paralegal. You hired a hit-and-run injury lawyer, and a hit-and-run injury lawyer will handle your case, prioritizing personalized attention and dedication.
We stand by our commitment with a 30-day, risk-free guarantee. Contact us today to get the support you need.
Client Reviews
I was involved in a Hit and Run and Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers made me feel like I had a voice about what happened to me. I didn’t think much would come of my incident but they made sure the person was held accountable and helped recover our loses. Thank you Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers! 😊 highly recommend them if you’ve been injured and need help!
Shaiann Andrade
Uninsured Motorist Claims in Massachusetts
Injuries in auto accidents present a variety of challenges. Ultimately, making an uninsured motorist claim involves holding your own insurance company responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
Very often, this can result in an insurance company attempting to withhold what you rightfully deserve. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you will need a hit-and-run accident lawyer familiar with this area of law. Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers employs attorneys who are experienced with these cases and have a reputation for ensuring our clients are treated fairly and respectfully.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can occur for many reasons. Often, an at-fault driver will flee the scene because they fear legal or financial consequences. Some of the most common causes include:
- Uninsured drivers who fear the cost of damages and liability
- Drunk drivers who want to avoid DUI charges or arrest
- Drivers with previous tickets or outstanding arrest warrants who don’t want to face additional penalties
- Panicked drivers who make a split-second decision to flee the scene
- Those with other legal problems, such as being on parole or probation, who fear the repercussions of being involved in an accident.
Unfortunately, these situations often lead to reckless decisions, leaving victims to call on an experienced car accident attorney for support in seeking compensation and battling claims with the insurance company. Lawyers for hit-and-run accidents can take the heavy lifting off your plate.
Types of Injuries After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Car accident injuries, especially in hit-and-run accidents, can be significant depending on the severity of the crash. Individuals willing to flee the scene of an accident and subject themselves to criminal liability often cause severe damage as a result of their negligent motor vehicle operation. Sometimes the fleeing driver leaves the scene after seeing how severe the accident was.
The injuries sustained by hit-and-run victims can be diverse, but the most common are:
- Head injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Soft tissue muscle injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts or lacerations
- Bruising and swelling
- Disc herniations or bulges
- Arm and knee injuries
- Neck and back injuries.
How a Boston Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Can Help
Hit-and-run accidents are more complicated than other car accidents. However, a Boston personal injury lawyer can help achieve a fair resolution of your hit-and-run case.
Specifically, a hit-and-run attorney can help with the following:
- Handling hit-and-run cases: An experienced attorney understands the complexities of these cases and can work diligently to identify the responsible party.
- Pursuing compensation for personal injuries: Whether you’ve suffered broken bones, soft tissue injuries, or other serious harm, a lawyer will fight for your right to recover financial compensation.
- Dealing with insurance adjusters: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle negotiations to ensure you receive what you’re entitled to.
- Seeking non-economic damages: Beyond medical bills and lost wages, you may also be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What Damages Can Be Recovered After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Boston?
Victims may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of the case. A hit-and-run accident attorney can help you recover the following damages:
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Medical bills
Compensation can cover the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care related to your injuries.
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Lost wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover the income you’ve lost during your recovery period.
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Pain and suffering
This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, which may include anxiety, depression, or a reduced quality of life.
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Property damage
You can seek compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
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Disfigurement
If the incident resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement, you might be entitled to additional compensation to account for the impact on your appearance and overall well-being.
Pursuing Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, the attorneys at Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers can pursue the money you deserve. You will need assistance recovering money for your medical expenses, lost wages and possible future lost earning capacity, replacement services, and pain and suffering.
The Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers team is experienced in recovering maximum compensation on behalf of our clients and takes accidents in our cases extremely seriously. Indeed, we have a history of success in obtaining high settlements on behalf of our clients, as you can see in our recent verdicts and settlements. We’re the lawyers for hit-and-run accidents that you want on your side.
Contact Our Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, our Boston hit-and-run accident lawyers would be happy to travel to a location convenient for you to perform a free case consultation. After a brief discussion about your possible claim, lawyers at our hit-and-run law firm can predict the likelihood of success and the potential value of your case.
To set up a free consultation, contact us today!
