What is the investigation process for hit and run accidents? The investigation process for hit and run accidents involves contacting the police, getting information from witnesses, looking at surveillance footage, and finding the liable driver.
A Salt Lake City hit and run accident lawyer offers legal guidance and support at each stage of this process.
How Police Handle the First Step of the Investigation Process for Hit and Run Accidents
Calling 911 is one of the first things you should do after a hit and run. Share any details you have about the car involved in your accident and other relevant information with the 911 operator. Within minutes, police officers will come to the accident scene. They can prepare a report for your accident and kick off the investigation process for your hit and run.
Police officers can take photos of the accident scene and collect other evidence. They document the scene, as this can help them in their investigation. In addition, police officers ask you questions about the incident. They include the information you share in their accident report.
Siegfried & Jensen has helped clients in personal injury cases recover over $1.2 billion in compensatory damages. We can explain what to do if you are involved in a hit and run accident.
Our team can stay in touch with the police and work with them to help you identify the motorist liable for your hit and run. Contact us today to get started.
For a free legal consultation, call (801) 266-0999
How Accident Witnesses Help with the Investigative Process for a Hit and Run
Ultimately, witnesses impact Utah personal injury claims. Consider how witnesses can help you with the investigative process following a hit and run. These individuals can tell the police what they saw. The information they share could bring the police one step closer to finding the party responsible for your car accident.
Get the contact information of witnesses at your accident scene. These individuals can provide testimony if the liable driver is found. At this point, you may be able to pursue compensation from this motorist through a personal injury lawsuit.
Even if you meet Utah’s vehicle insurance requirements, your auto insurer may not cover all of your crash-related losses. After the investigation process for your hit and run, the police may locate the at-fault driver.
In this scenario, you could sue this individual for damages. If your case is successful, you could get compensated for your auto repair costs and other losses.
What It Takes to Access Surveillance Footage of Your Hit and Run Accident
Some businesses use surveillance cameras. If your hit and run occurred near a company that has a surveillance camera set up, it may be possible to access this footage. A Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can contact companies in the vicinity of where your accident took place as part of the hit and run accident investigation process. They could get surveillance footage for you.
Traffic camera footage may also show what happened during your accident. The police may use this footage to track down the at-fault motorist during the investigation of your hit and run accident. They may share it with your lawyer, and your attorney can use it as evidence for your Utah personal injury case.
Surveillance or traffic camera footage could reveal the license plate, make, and model of the other vehicle involved in your hit and run. This could boost your chances of finding the at-fault party. Once you locate this individual, they may face criminal and civil penalties for their actions.
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What to Expect If You Find the Driver Responsible for Your Hit and Run
Just because the party responsible for a hit and run is found does not mean that this individual will be held accountable for the incident. As part of the investigation process for hit and run crashes, the police will interview a suspect. This allows police officers to consider information from all parties involved in the accident.
If a driver is convicted of a hit and run, they can receive a fine, jail time, and other criminal penalties. On top of these, the motorist may be subject to a lawsuit if they caused the other driver to incur steep medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses.
Your lawyer can prepare a case against a motorist who is at fault for your hit and run. They can utilize evidence they collected during the investigative process.
Your attorney can negotiate a settlement with this party for you. If you prefer to proceed with a trial, your lawyer supports your decision to do just that.
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Why You Should Work with a Lawyer During the Hit and Run Crash Investigative Process
A hit and run accident can leave you doubtful about whether you will find the driver who crashed their car into yours and drove away. Thankfully, a hit and run accident attorney knows all about the investigative process. They help you begin this process right away and guide you every step of the way.
Your lawyer is your legal advocate and representative. They communicate and collaborate with the police, businesses, and accident witnesses as your investigation moves forward. Your attorney keeps you updated as they try to find the party responsible for your accident.
If your investigation is successful, your lawyer identifies the at-fault party. In this situation, your attorney can file a lawsuit against them. Your lawyer can present your case to a judge or jury, which may allow you to recover economic and non-economic damages. Plus, you can pursue justice from the motorist who chose not to take accountability at the time of your accident.
Trust Siegfried & Jensen to Help You with a Hit and Run Accident Investigation
At Siegfried & Jensen, we understand how frustrating it can be if a driver causes an accident and does not take responsibility for the harm they have caused. We assist hit and run crash victims and their families.
Our team can investigate your accident with the police and help you locate the responsible party. Schedule a case consultation with us.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form