Four Kinds Of Hit And Run Accidents And What You Can Sue For In Each Instance

People often assume that a hit and run accident involves one car and driver hitting another car and driver and then driving off. While this is certainly one type of hit and run accident, there are actually a few more. The following shows the different types of hit and run accidents and what you can sue for in each instance (since not all hit and run accident compensation claims are the same).

Car on Inanimate Objects/ Property Items Hit and Run

Sometimes a hit and run driver smashes into inanimate objects or property without injuring someone and then takes off to avoid restitution costs. Examples of this type of hit and run accident including crashing into lightposts, going through fences or taking out mailboxes. In all of these instances, the owners can sue for restitution of their property. If the hit and run incident involved public or government-owned property, then the city, state or local municipality can sue for restitution. However, this does require a witness or some type of security or parking lot footage in order to prove who the driver was.

Car on Car Hit and Run, with No One Present in the Vehicle That Was Struck

When one driver hits another vehicle with his or her own vehicle and then drives off, this counts as a hit and run even when there are no occupants in the vehicle that was struck. While no one was injured in the vehicle that was struck (because no one was in it), the owner of that vehicle can still sue the hit and run driver for damages to the vehicle. Again, you'll need a witness or security footage to prove who struck your vehicle.

Car on Pedestrian Hit and Run

This is often considered reckless driving because the pedestrian that is struck is usually minding his or her own business when the driver careens out of nowhere at a high speed and hits the pedestrian. It can also occur when the driver drives up onto the sidewalk, hits a pedestrian and then drives off or tries to get away. In this instance, the pedestrian/victim can sue for all medical bills incurred and possibly lost wages and/or pain and suffering.

Car on Bicyclist Hit and Run

Bicyclists are sharing the roads with motorists more and more each year. When a motorist hits a bicyclist, the bicyclist can sue for medical bills, damage to his or her bicycle (up to and including the full replacement value of the bicycle) and ongoing medical and therapy expenses. If the bicyclist was also a courier on the job, then he/she can sue for lost wages that resulted from the injuries and the lost/damaged bicycle needed to complete his/her work.

If you have been the victim of any of these hit and run accidents, and you have the license plate number of the vehicle, security footage, or eye witnesses who can prove who the driver was, go to http://www.danielgoodmanlaw.com and contact an experienced personal injury attorney.


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