Hit-and-Run Car Accident Attorneys 

Why Do Hit-and-Run Drivers Run? The Ugly Truth Behind Their Actions 

Hit-and-run accidents happen way too often, and that’s why hit and run car accident attorneys are here to help, leaving you hurt, frustrated, and wondering what to do next. But why do these drivers take off instead of doing the right thing? The car accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, have seen just about every type of reasons why negligent drivers crash and then take off: 

• They’re scared of getting in trouble – About 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. don’t have insurance. Some don’t even have valid licenses. Sticking around means facing serious consequences. 
• They’re under the influence – A lot of hit-and-run drivers are drunk or high. They know a DUI could land them in jail, so they panic and flee. 
• They don’t think—they just react – Some people get so overwhelmed in the moment that their fight-or-flight instinct kicks in, and they choose to run. 
• They’ve got something to hide – Outstanding warrants, suspended licenses, or a stolen car? You bet they’ll take off to avoid getting caught. 
• They claim they “didn’t know” – In some cases, drivers say they didn’t even realize they hit someone. (That’s a tough excuse to believe, but they try it.) 

No matter the excuse, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal. And if you’re the victim, you’re left dealing with all the chaos they left behind. 

Blindsided by a Hit-and-Run? Here’s What You MUST Do Immediately 

You’re shaken, your car’s damaged, and the other driver is long gone. Now what? Take a deep breath and follow these steps: 

1. Call 911. A police report helps big time when tracking down the driver and filing an insurance claim. In many states, you’re legally required to report a hit-and-run within 24 hours. 
2. Stay put. Leaving could make it harder to prove what happened. 
3. Try to remember details. Even small things—like the car’s color, model, or part of the license plate—can be key to finding the driver. 
4. Look for witnesses. Someone nearby may have seen the accident or caught the car on their phone. 
5. Check for cameras. Traffic cams, security cameras, and even doorbell cameras could have footage of the crash. 
6. Take pictures. Take the best photos possible of your car’s damage, the surrounding area, and any debris left behind. 
7. Call your insurance company. If you have the right coverage, you might be able to get compensation for hit-and-run accidents—even if the driver is never found. 

No Driver? No Problem. How to Get Compensation Even If They Vanish 

If the hit-and-run driver disappears, you’re probably wondering if you’ll ever see a dime for your damages. The good news? You’ve got options: 

• Uninsured motorist coverage – If you have UM coverage, your own insurance can step in to pay for medical bills and car repairs. 
• Personal injury protection or MedPay – No-Fault insurance in New York covers medical expenses no matter who’s at fault. 
• Collision coverage – Helps fix your car, though you may need to cover a deductible. 
• State victim compensation programs – Some states offer financial relief to hit-and-run victims. 

A hit and run car accident lawyer can help you figure out the best way to get paid after a hit-and-run. 

Lies & Excuses: The Dirty Tactics Hit-and-Run Drivers Use to Escape Blame 

When caught, hit-and-run drivers pull out every excuse in the book to avoid responsibility. Here’s what they say—and how we shut them down: 

• “I didn’t even know I hit someone.” (Really? Because the dent in your bumper says otherwise.) 
• “That wasn’t me. My car was stolen.” (We’ll check that story against police reports.) 
• “The victim’s making it up.” (Medical records and surveillance footage don’t lie.) 
• “I was scared.” (Not a legal defense.) 

With the right evidence, hit and run car accident attorneys can prove they’re responsible and get you the justice you deserve. 

Building an Airtight Case: The Evidence That Will Win Your Fight 

To win your case, you need solid proof. Here’s what matters most: 

• Witness statements – People who saw the accident can confirm what happened. 
• Traffic or security footage – Video can help track down the driver and prove fault. 
• Car debris at the scene – A paint chip or broken mirror can match a specific vehicle. 
• Accident reconstruction reports – Experts analyze damage and road conditions to prove how the crash happened. 
• Medical records – Show the extent of your injuries and prove they were caused by the accident. 
• Police reports – Official documentation strengthens your claim. 

Dashcams & Witnesses: The Ultimate Weapons in Your Legal Battle 

Dashcams and eyewitnesses can make or break a hit-and-run case. Here’s why: 

• Dashcams catch everything. They record the car, the license plate, and even the driver’s face if you’re lucky. 
• Witnesses can fill in the gaps. Maybe they saw the driver speed away or caught part of the plate number. 
• Both provide undeniable proof. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of winning your case. 

We Hunt Down Hit-and-Run Drivers—Here’s How We Do It 

Tracking down a hit-and-run driver isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. Here’s how the personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, do it: 

• Work with law enforcement – They use traffic cams, license plate readers, and forensic evidence to investigate. 
• Hire private investigators – Sometimes, extra digging uncovers the driver’s identity. 
• Subpoena security footage – Businesses and government agencies may have the crash on tape. 
• Leverage social media – Viral videos and community tips have helped catch plenty of hit-and-run drivers. 

Your Secret Weapon: How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Save You 

Having uninsured motorist coverage is like having a safety net for hit-and-run accidents. It can cover: 

• Medical bills – So you’re not drowning in debt from hospital visits. 
• Lost wages – If you’re too injured to work, UM coverage can help replace your income if you can’t get your lost wages paid by No-Fault insurance. 
• Pain and suffering – Because getting hit and left behind is more than just a physical injury. 
• Car repairs – Fixing your car without waiting for the at-fault driver to be caught. 

Check your policy now—having UM coverage can make all the difference. 

Hit-and-Run Victim? Don’t Let Them Get Away With It—We’ve Got Your Back 

Dealing with a hit-and-run is overwhelming. You’re hurt, your car’s wrecked, and the driver is nowhere to be found. But you don’t have to handle this alone. The attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, know how to fight for hit-and-run victims. Whether we’re tracking down the driver or getting you the best possible insurance settlement, we’re here for you. 

Looking to hire one of the best law firms in America to handle your case? Contact our office today for a FREE consultation. Let’s get you the justice you deserve.