Hit-and-run accidents can devastate victims and their families, and they often leave the responsible party facing legal consequences. If you’ve been in a car accident in Beaufort, you need the best team of Beaufort car accident lawyers behind you to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. An experienced Beaufort personal injury lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here to help you navigate this difficult time to achieve the best outcome possible.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Recoverable Damages in Beaufort Hit-and-Run Cases
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, almost 20 percent of pedestrian fatalities and 65 percent of bicyclist fatalities involve hit-and-run crashes. In a hit-and-run case in Beaufort, the damages that may be recoverable can be broken down into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic Damages: These damages can be quantified and are related to actual financial losses that the hit-and-run victim has suffered. Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses: This includes any medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other related costs associated with the injury sustained in the accident.
- Lost income and future earning capacity: This includes any wages lost due to the accident and the victim’s ability to earn income if their injuries prevent them from working at their previous capacity.
- Property damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace any damaged property, such as a car or other personal property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-Economic Damages: These are damages that cannot be easily quantified and are more subjective in nature. They are generally related to the pain and suffering a victim has endured due to the hit-and-run accident. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: This includes any physical or emotional pain that a victim has experienced due to the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or chronic pain.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: This refers to the inability to enjoy activities that a victim previously enjoyed, such as hobbies or sports, resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Loss of consortium: This refers to the victim’s injuries’ negative impact on their relationships with family members or loved ones.
In a hit-and-run case, it is important to work with an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney in Beaufort who can help you understand the damages you may be entitled to and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Insurance Coverage Works in a Hit-and-Run Accident
If the victim has uninsured motorist coverage (UM), it can provide coverage for a hit-and-run accident. UM coverage protects drivers when they are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
If the victim has UM coverage, they may be able to claim with their insurance company for damages resulting from the hit-and-run accident. This can include medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. In addition, some insurance policies may provide coverage for hit-and-run accidents under other types of coverage, such as collision coverage or personal injury protection.
If the victim does not have UM coverage or is insufficient to cover the damages resulting from the hit-and-run accident, they may need legal action to recover compensation from the responsible party. An experienced Beaufort hit-and-run accident lawyer can help the victim understand their legal options and work to help them pursue the compensation they deserve.
How a Beaufort Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Can Help
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 800,000 hit-and-run crashes in the United States annually. A hit-and-run attorney can provide invaluable assistance if you have been involved in a hit-and-run case in Beaufort. Here are some of the ways an attorney can help:
- Investigate the accident: A hit-and-run attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence and information that can be used to build a strong case on your behalf. This can include reviewing police reports, speaking with witnesses, and analyzing available surveillance footage or other evidence.
- Identify the responsible party: In many hit-and-run cases, the responsible party may not be immediately known. An attorney can use their resources and experience to help identify the responsible party, which can be critical in determining your legal options and pursuing compensation.
- Handle communication with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated and time-consuming. An attorney can handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Pursue compensation: A hit-and-run attorney can help you pursue compensation for any damages you have suffered from the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf to seek the compensation you deserve.
- Provide legal guidance and support: A hit-and-run attorney can provide you with the legal guidance and support you need during this difficult time. They can answer your questions, keep you informed about the progress of your case, and help you make informed decisions about your legal options.
An experienced hit-and-run attorney can help you navigate the legal process and work to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run case in Beaufort, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for hit-and-run cases in Beaufort is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means that a victim of a hit-and-run accident has three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
The statute of limitations may be shorter in certain circumstances. For example, if the hit-and-run accident involves a government agency or employee, the victim may have a much shorter window to file a claim. Additionally, if the victim is a minor or has a legal disability, the statute of limitations may be extended.
Speak with an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer in Beaufort to ensure you do not miss any important deadlines. An attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations that applies to your case and can work to protect your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a Beaufort Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Everyone deserves fair representation under the law. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we will connect you with a Beaufort hit-and-run accident attorney who will tirelessly ensure your rights are protected and receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today.
