If you have been injured in any car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the aftermath can be stressful as you struggle with pain, surgeries, and hospital stays, as well as other interruptions and negative effects on your life. These issues can be even more difficult after a hit-and-run accident, since you may not know who you can hold accountable for your damages. Fortunately, you still have options in these cases, and an attorney can help you pursue all possible avenues for compensation.
Wisconsin Hit-and-Run Laws
Under Wisconsin law, if a driver is involved in an accident with another person, they have a legal duty to stop and stay at the scene of the crash and provide their driver’s license, registration, and contact information to the other people affected, as well as to provide reasonable assistance to anyone who was injured and notify law enforcement of the accident as soon as possible. Law enforcement and prosecutors take these cases seriously, and a person who violates these laws can face fines and criminal charges, including felony charges in cases involving death or serious injury.
Pursuing Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident
In many cases, it is possible to identify and locate the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run accident, but it is crucial to act quickly before the driver becomes untraceable. You should hire an attorney as soon as possible who can work with law enforcement to help you investigate the case. If you or another witness to the accident saw the driver’s license plate number, we can identify the vehicle’s registered owner, which is a significant step in the right direction. Even if not, we can help you gather other evidence, including witness testimony and camera footage of the area surrounding the crash, to help you find the driver.
Even if we cannot identify the driver, you still may have another option for compensation. In Wisconsin, uninsured motorist coverage is required by law on all car insurance policies, and this can cover your damages in cases where the at-fault driver is unknown. You may also be able to receive uninsured motorist coverage in accidents involving a “phantom motor vehicle” where no contact was made with the other vehicle and the identity of the driver cannot be determined. In these cases, an accident must be reported to police within 72 hours, and another party, such as a witness to the accident, must verify that the accident was caused by a phantom motor vehicle. We will help you gather evidence of negligence in the accident, as well as documentation of your injuries and expenses, in order to file a claim with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Appleton, WI Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
At the [[title]], our experience handling car accident cases has given us a strong understanding of the best ways to obtain evidence that will help you identify and locate a negligent driver and hold them accountable for your damages. Contact us at 920-739-7366 to request a free consultation with a Green Bay personal injury lawyer today.
Sources:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/xi/67
https://oci.wi.gov/Documents/Consumers/PI-233.pdf