Dealing with Hit-and-Run Accidents in Lehi

Holding hit-and-run drivers accountable is essential to making Lehi’s roads safer for everyone. If you need legal assistance after a distracted driving accident, contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks today for a free consultation.

Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be an overwhelming and scary experience, especially when the responsible driver leaves the scene without providing their information. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Lehi, you may be feeling uncertain about how to proceed and whether you can still seek compensation for your injuries and damages. 

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand the challenges you face in these situations and are committed to helping victims navigate the legal complexities of hit-and-run accidents.

Our team of experienced Lehi car accident lawyers is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve. We work tirelessly to gather evidence, identify the at-fault driver, and explore all available avenues for recovering damages, including your own insurance policy. 

Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries, emotional distress, or property damage, we’re here to provide the support and legal expertise you need to pursue a successful claim.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Lehi, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll guide you through each step of the process and fight for the justice you deserve.

Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents carry serious legal consequences, both for the at-fault driver and for the victim seeking compensation. In Utah, leaving the scene of an accident without stopping to provide information or render aid is considered a criminal offense. 

Beyond the criminal penalties, hit-and-run cases also create unique legal challenges for victims who must pursue compensation without knowing the identity of the responsible driver.

Criminal Consequences for the At-Fault Driver

Utah law treats hit-and-run accidents as grave offenses, with penalties depending on the severity of the accident. If the accident only results in property damage, the fleeing driver may face misdemeanor charges with fines and possible jail time. 

However, if the accident causes injury or death, the offense escalates to a felony, carrying harsher penalties, including significant fines and potential prison time. The law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop at the scene, exchange information, and provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured.

Challenges for Victims in Seeking Compensation

For victims, one of the most significant legal hurdles in a hit-and-run accident is identifying the driver. If law enforcement cannot locate the at-fault party, victims must explore alternative avenues for compensation. This often involves filing a claim under their uninsured motorist coverage, which is designed to provide financial relief when an at-fault driver is unknown or lacks insurance. 

However, dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, as they may try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Without the At-Fault Driver

When the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, victims can still pursue damages through their own insurance policy if they have UM coverage. This can help cover:

• Medical expenses for injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost wages if the injuries prevent the victim from working.
• Vehicle repairs or replacement costs.
• Pain and suffering in cases of severe injuries.

If the at-fault driver is eventually identified, victims can pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages directly from them. This may include additional compensation for punitive damages due to the driver’s reckless actions.

Legal Support for Hit-and-Run Victims

Navigating the legal aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance claims and the uncertainty of finding the responsible driver. 

Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks provides personalized legal guidance to hit-and-run victims in Lehi, helping them explore every available option for compensation for their specific cases. From working with law enforcement to negotiating with insurance companies, we fight to ensure our clients receive the justice they deserve.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run in Lehi

A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling frustrated and uncertain about their next steps. Whether the crash resulted in property damage or serious injuries, knowing what to do immediately after the accident can help protect your rights and increase the chances of obtaining compensation. 

In Lehi, following the correct legal and procedural steps is essential, especially if the at-fault driver is never found.

Stay at the Scene and Call 911

After a hit-and-run, never attempt to chase the fleeing driver, as this could put you in further danger. Instead, pull over to a safe location and call 911 immediately. 

If anyone is injured, request medical assistance. Even if the accident only caused property damage, it is still important to report the incident to the police, as their report will be crucial for your insurance claim.

Gather as Much Information as Possible

Since the at-fault driver has fled the scene, any information you can provide may help law enforcement track them down. Try to note:

• A description of the vehicle, including the make, model, color, and any distinguishing features.
• The license plate number, even if you only catch part of it.
• The direction the driver was headed after the crash.
• Details about the accident, such as the time, location, and how the collision occurred.
• Witness statements, as bystanders may have seen more details about the fleeing driver.

Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture images of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any injuries you or your passengers sustained. These details may serve as substantial evidence when filing an insurance claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is advised. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show immediate symptoms. A medical report can also strengthen your claim by linking your injuries directly to the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the hit-and-run accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. If the at-fault driver is never found, you may need to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover medical expenses and property damage. Be prepared to provide details of the accident, including the police report and any evidence you collected.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Navigating a hit-and-run case can be complex, especially if your insurance company disputes your claim or offers a low settlement. A Lehi car accident lawyer from Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can help investigate the accident, negotiate with insurers, and explore all legal options to secure the compensation you deserve.

Challenges in Identifying the At-Fault Driver

Hit-and-run accidents present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to identifying the at-fault driver. Unlike typical car accidents where both parties exchange information, hit-and-run drivers flee the scene, leaving victims struggling to determine who was responsible. Without identifying the negligent driver, recovering compensation becomes significantly more difficult.

Lack of Eyewitnesses and Evidence

One of the biggest challenges in identifying the at-fault driver is the lack of available witnesses or physical evidence. If the accident happens in a secluded area or at night, there may be no one around to provide a description of the vehicle or its driver. 

Surveillance cameras or dashcams may not always capture a clear image of the fleeing car, and in many cases, the driver leaves no identifiable debris behind.

Limited Police Investigations

While law enforcement takes hit-and-run accidents seriously, their ability to track down the responsible driver depends on the available evidence. If no license plate number, vehicle description, or surveillance footage is found, the investigation may quickly stall. 

Police prioritize cases based on the severity of the accident, meaning minor property damage incidents may receive less attention compared to accidents resulting in serious injuries.

False or Misleading Information

Even when witnesses provide a description of the car, human memory can be unreliable. Stress and shock after an accident can cause victims and bystanders to misremember details, leading to inaccurate or conflicting reports. Additionally, some hit-and-run drivers switch out or conceal their license plates, making it even harder to track them down.

Lack of Traffic or Security Cameras

While many intersections and businesses in Lehi have security or traffic cameras, not every accident occurs in an area with surveillance. If no cameras are available or the footage is too blurry to identify the driver, victims may be left without any solid leads. Even when footage exists, obtaining it quickly before it is deleted or recorded over can be difficult.

Uninsured or Stolen Vehicles

In some hit-and-run cases, the fleeing driver is uninsured, driving a stolen vehicle, or using someone else’s car without permission. This complicates the process of finding the responsible party, as the registered car owner may not be the person who was behind the wheel.

Law enforcement may struggle to trace the actual driver, especially if the car was abandoned or later found wrecked.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A skilled car accident lawyer in Lehi can assist victims by:

• Conducting independent investigations, including checking nearby security cameras and speaking with witnesses.
• Working with accident reconstruction experts to analyze skid marks, debris, and vehicle damage to determine how the crash occurred.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to help victims seek compensation through uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver is not found.

Even when identifying the hit-and-run driver is difficult, victims have legal options to pursue compensation. An experienced lawyer can help navigate these challenges and maximize the chances of a successful claim.

How Our Firm Assists Hit-and-Run Victims in Lehi

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is a distressing experience, leaving injured individuals uncertain about how to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. 

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we are committed to helping hit-and-run victims in Lehi navigate the legal process, identify potential sources of compensation, and hold negligent drivers accountable whenever possible. 

Our legal team provides dedicated support, aggressive advocacy, and comprehensive legal solutions to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

Identifying the driver responsible for a hit-and-run accident can be challenging, but our firm takes proactive steps to gather crucial evidence. Our team:

• Works closely with law enforcement to obtain police reports and any available surveillance footage.
• Interviews witnesses who may have seen the accident or noted identifying details about the fleeing vehicle.
• Utilizes accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene and determine how the collision occurred.
• Requests footage from nearby traffic or security cameras before it is deleted or overwritten.

By leaving no stone unturned, we increase the chances of identifying the at-fault driver and holding them accountable.

Navigating Uninsured Motorist Claims

If the hit-and-run driver cannot be located, victims may still recover compensation through their uninsured motorist coverage. Many drivers are unaware that Utah law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, which can provide financial relief when the at-fault driver is unknown. 

Our firm helps victims by:

• Reviewing insurance policies to determine available coverage.
• Handling the claims process to prevent delays or denials.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.

We understand that insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but our firm fights aggressively to ensure victims receive fair compensation.

Maximizing Compensation for Injured Victims

A hit-and-run accident can leave victims facing substantial medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and emotional distress. Our firm works to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications).
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity due to time away from work.
• Pain and suffering from physical injuries and emotional trauma.
• Property damage to repair or replace a damaged vehicle.

By carefully evaluating the full extent of our clients’ damages, we pursue every possible avenue for compensation.

Handling Insurance Disputes and Denials

Even when filing a claim through UM coverage, victims may face disputes with their own insurance providers. Insurers may argue that injuries were not severe, that the policy does not apply, or that the victim was at fault. Our legal team challenges these tactics by:

• Gathering strong medical evidence to support the claim.
• Presenting expert testimony when necessary.
• Taking legal action against insurance companies that act in bad faith.