Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Little Rock

Hit-and-run accidents can be physically and emotionally exhausting. You not only are recovering from the injuries caused by the accident, but you may also be stressed and frustrated after learning that the person who caused your accident is nowhere to be found.

While this may be a traumatic and overwhelming situation, it is important to realize that you do have legal options after a hit-and-run car accident. Consider consulting with a Little Rock hit-and-run accident attorney at your earliest convenience to learn more about these rights and options and to prepare for any challenges.

About the hit-and-run accident that recently occurred in Little Rock

According to THV11, there was a hit-and-run accident that occurred in Little Rock in late July. The accident happened shortly after 11 a.m. on the 6600 block of Stagecoach Road. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased at the accident scene. The victim was identified as Ahmad McMullen. There was no information regarding the driver who fled the scene. However, the accident was considered a fatal hit-and-run crash, and those with any information are encouraged to call the police department’s anonymous tip line.

What rights do I have after a hit-and-run accident in Little Rock, AK?

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you do have rights, which include:

• The right to inform authorities about the accident and to file a police report
• The right to receive medical treatment after the accident
• The right to file a claim with your insurance company if you have available coverage
• The right to gather evidence and help authorities find the fleeing driver
• The right to consult with an attorney about your accident
• The right to file a car accident lawsuit if you identify and find the hit-and-run driver

How can I track down a hit-and-run driver?

Finding or locating a driver who has fled the scene can be extremely challenging. The person most likely had a reason for leaving the scene and did not want to be found. For example, they may not have had a license, may not have had car insurance, or were drinking and driving or doing something else illegal. However, there are specific steps you can take to increase your chances of tracking down a hit-and-run driver, including:

Speaking with law enforcement and giving them as much detail as possible

One of the most important steps to track down a hit-and-run driver is to speak with law enforcement officers and give them as much detail and information as possible. You should tell them what type of vehicle hit you, any characteristics you remember of the person driving, the color of the vehicle, and which direction they went. This can be very beneficial if you remember the license plate number or even a small sticker on the vehicle. After the police have enough information, they will investigate and look for the hit-and-run driver.

Talking with witnesses who saw your accident occur

You may notice bystanders, construction workers, bicyclists, pedestrians, or other drivers near your accident. It is important to talk with them and find out what they saw regarding your accident. You may learn that they noticed additional details to what you noticed, which can become valuable in helping the police look for the hit-and-run driver.

Looking at surveillance footage or dash cam footage

Depending on where your hit-and-run crash took place, there may be surveillance cameras that caught your accident. However, you or investigators may need to contact businesses and homeowners to find out whether their surveillance cameras were facing the direction of your accident and recorded what happened. If they allow you to look at their surveillance footage, you may see specific information that can help you track down the hit-and-run driver. For example, you may notice that the driver wears glasses, has a big tattoo on their arm, or that one of the wheels on their vehicle has a spare tire. If you or another driver have a dash cam, you can also use this footage to analyze the accident and to help you identify the driver or vehicle that left the scene.

Hiring a hit-and-run accident lawyer to investigate

If you hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer, they can help to investigate. Hopefully, together, you will be able to locate the individual who fled your accident. They will know what to look for, what type of evidence to collect, and how to increase the possibility of finding the hit-and-run driver. A lawyer can also work with law enforcement, the community, and other professionals and update you frequently on any breakthroughs in your case.

What are my legal options if I am injured by a driver who fled the scene?

If you are injured by a driver who fled the scene, you have a few legal options that you may be able to pursue, such as:

• File an uninsured claim with your own insurance company: Uninsured motorist coverage is an additional coverage option that can be added to your insurance policy. Even though uninsured insurance coverage is not required in Arkansas, all drivers purchasing insurance must be allowed to include this type of coverage on their policy. If an individual does not want this coverage, they must reject it in writing. If you believe you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file an uninsured claim with your insurance company. If approved, you may receive compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and property damage. However, this amount will only be what is available under your policy limit.
• Use your PIP insurance coverage: Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is another type of optional coverage that your insurance company must offer you. If you do not want this type of coverage added to your policy, you must also reject it in writing. If you have PIP and have not rejected it, you can use this coverage to cover your medical expenses and lost income, regardless of any fault you had in the accident.
• File a lawsuit if the hit-and-run driver is found: If the hit-and-run driver is ever found, you can file a lawsuit against them for your damages. You may need to check the statute of limitations once the driver is found. If you have missed the three-year statute of limitations, you may need to show proof that the driver could not be found during those three years.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a hit-and-run car accident, the Little Rock hit-and-run accident lawyers at Bailey & Greer can guide and support you through this tough time. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.