All motorists in Minnesota who are involved in a crash are required by law to stop their vehicle, exchange information, and stay at the scene unless there is a medical emergency (Sec. 169.09 MN Statutes). The failure to do so is a crime. Nonetheless, hit-and-runs remain a serious problem. In fact, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that there are nearly 700,000 hit-and-run crashes reported nationwide each year. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we help victims get justice. Here, our hit and run crash lawyers highlight steps to take after this type of accident in Minnesota.
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle and Call the Police
Being the victim of a hit-and-run is incredibly frustrating. It can feel extremely unfair—and it is unfair. You’re left dealing with the aftermath while the responsible driver flees. Despite your anger, it is important to stay calm. You should pull over to a safe location. Minnesota law requires drivers to report an accident if there was an injury or major property damage. It is strongly in your best interest to report the crash right away if it was a hit-and-run. The sooner law enforcement arrives, the better the chances of tracking down the at-fault driver. Even if they are not found, the police report is crucial for your insurance claim. The situation is not hopeless—far from it.
Step #2: Write Down All Relevant Details
It is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed at the scene of a hit-and-run in Minnesota. Still, you need to be ready to take action. Gathering details right away is critical. You should try to recall everything about the fleeing vehicle—make, model, color, and any part of the license plate you saw. You should also note the time, location, and weather conditions, as well as any damage to your vehicle. Finally, try to look around for witnesses who might have seen something you missed. In some cases, nearby businesses or traffic cameras may have captured footage of the crash.
Step #3: Notify Your Own Insurance Provider of the Hit-and-Run Incident
One of the best options for getting compensation for a hit-and-run crash is a claim through your own insurance company. You may have uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Notably, hit-and-run cases can be uninsured motorist cases if the driver is never found. Further, Minnesota has a no-fault law for motor vehicle accident claims. That means that even in a hit-and-run case, your initial claim is through your own policy. You should notify your own insurance company as soon as possible to preserve your right to bring a claim. A Minnesota car accident lawyer can help you with a no-fault claim and/or an uninsured motorist claim
Step #4: Seek Professional Legal Representation
Do not take on the claims process all alone. You are angry—and rightfully so. Someone else’s recklessness left you with damages, medical bills, and unanswered questions. A skilled Minnesota car accident attorney can help you pursue all available avenues for compensation in a hit-and-run driving accident claim.
Recovering Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Crash in Minnesota
In Minnesota, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for intangible losses. Unfortunately, navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash can prove to be especially challenging. Many people struggle to get access to all of the compensation that they are entitled to under state law. Our Minnesota hit-and-run lawyers are here to help you explore every option for recovering compensation. You may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Vehicle replacement;
- Emergency medical care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other health care costs;
- Loss of wages;
- Diminished earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Why Trust Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler for a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim
Hit-and-run accident claims are notoriously complex. If you were hit by a driver who fled the scene in Minnesota, it is imperative that you take prompt action to protect your rights and your interests. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we put victims and families first. Our team handles even the most challenges of personal injury cases, including hit-and-run crashes. With a proven history of verdicts and settlements, we are prepared to invest time and resources into your case.
Contact Our Minnesota Auto Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Minnesota car accident attorneys have the skills and experience to protect the rights of hit-and-run accident victims. If you or your loved one was hurt in a hit-and-run crash, we are here to help. Give us a phone call at 608-784-4370 or connect with us online for a free, no obligation review of your case. We handle hit-and-run crash claims in Houston County, Winona County, and throughout the surrounding region in Minnesota.