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Brockton Hit-and-run Accident Claim Lawyers
Trusted representation for car accident victims in Massachusetts
When a driver strikes a car, a pedestrian, or a bicycle rider, they know that they should stop and provide help and their driving information. Not only are there laws that regulate hit-and-run driving; stopping is simply the moral thing to do. At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we hold hit-and-run drivers accountable. When the driver can’t be found, our Brockton hit-and-run lawyers can help protect your future by processing your PIP benefits and filing an insurance claim through your UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured) policy. Call us today when unconscionable drivers flee the scene of an accident.
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How we can help
- Why choose us?
- How common are hit-and-run accidents?
- Why do hit-and-run accidents happen in Brockton?
- What duty do drivers have to stop and provide assistance after a collision?
- How do you find hit-and-run drivers?
- What insurance can I use to pay my damages after a hit-and-run accident in Brockton?
- What damages can I receive when hit-and-run accidents occur in Brockton?
- Do you have a lawyer near me in Brockton, Massachusetts who can handle my hit-and-run accident claim?
Why choose us?
Suffering injuries from a driver who was cruel enough to flee the scene is a horrible experience. We work to find the best solutions for our clients in these cases. You can trust us to offer:
- Contingency fees: We only recover if our claim is successful.
- Community insights: As members of the Brockton community, we have experience handling local hit-and-run cases.
- Experienced representation: Our team has extensive experience investigating and pursuing these difficult claims.
- Client dedication: We prioritize your needs and work to find the best solution to your claim.
If you have additional questions, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with us.
How common are hit-and-run accidents?
According to Value Penguin, an insurance company, 2,783 deadly hit-and-run crashes occurred nationwide in 2021. The most common times for hit-and-run accidents are at night and on the weekend. In 60 percent of hit-and-run fatal accidents, the victim is a pedestrian. The most common area for hit-and-run fatal accidents is in urban areas.
Why do hit-and-run accidents happen in Brockton?
Given that hitting a car or a person is so egregious, the question begs – why do drivers fail to stop? Why do they flee? Some of the reasons drivers fail to stop even though they must do so legally and morally include:
- Driver impairment. Many of the drivers who hit and run are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These drivers fail to stop either because they’re so impaired, they truly don’t know they’ve hurt or killed someone – or because they know if they stop, they will likely be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Prior driving violations. Drivers may fail to stop after an accident because they know they are driving on a suspended license, don’t have the state-required liability insurance coverage, or have other traffic violations on their driving record.
- The risk of being arrested. Drivers who have prior DUIs or other criminal convictions may hit and run because they know that the police will run a background check on them and use their prior record against them.
What duty do drivers have to stop and provide assistance after a collision?
In Massachusetts, drivers can be charged with criminal offenses if they fail to stop after an accident in Brockton or anywhere else in the state. Hit-and-run accidents include hitting another vehicle, another person, or a bicycle rider and failing to comply with the following requirements according to state law and State Regs Today:
After an accident, drivers must stop at the scene and provide any other drivers or injured parties with their name, address, and vehicle registration. Generally, drivers must also provide their insurance information.
If the driver isn’t present, such as when a driver hits a parked vehicle, the driver must leave a written note with their contact information. If there is an injury or death, the driver must report the accident to the police immediately.
How do you find hit-and-run drivers?
Our Brockton hit-and-run accident lawyers can work with the police to locate a hit-and-driver and to confirm the occurrence of a hit-and-run accident by obtaining the following evidence (where possible):
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Physical evidence such as damage to your vehicle, debris at the accident site, and paint transfers
- Surveillance camera footage from local residences and businesses
- The license plate number of the hit-and-run driver
- Any other relevant information that the police obtain
- Speaking with local body shops in the event the hit-and-run driver brings their car in for repairs
In addition to facing criminal charges and a civil complaint, a hit-and-run may face the suspension or revocation of their license. Generally, a hit-and-run is a felony if injuries or death are involved, and a misdemeanor if there is just property damage.
What insurance can I use to pay my damages after a hit-and-run accident in Brockton?
At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we use the following insurance coverages depending on whether we/the police can locate the hit-and-run driver and other factors.
- The hit-and-run driver’s liability coverage. Drivers in Massachusetts must have minimum liability coverage for each victim. Our first task is to locate the driver. Our second task is to determine if the driver has liability insurance (many do not – which is one of the reasons they flee).
- Your PIP coverage. In Massachusetts, drivers must have PIP insurance in the amount of $8,000 or more. PIP insurance covers your medical bills and lost income regardless of fault. We can explain who qualifies for PIP benefits in your household.
- UM (uninsured) coverage. We can work to have your UM carrier pay for all your personal injury or wrongful death damages up to your UM policy limits. UM coverage does often apply if you are struck by a hit-and-run driver if the culprit cannot be found, is found but does not have liability insurance, or does not have enough insurance to pay your full claim.
- UIM (underinsured) coverage. In Massachusetts, UM coverage is mandatory. UIM (underinsured) coverage is optional. You can also use your UIM coverage if the hit-and-run driver’s liability coverage doesn’t cover all your damages. This policy can make up the difference between the underinsured motorist’s policy and your damages, at least up to the UIM policy limits.
We can explain when and how a pedestrian or cyclist may also be able to use a UM/UIM policy in a hit-and-run accident.
In many car accident cases, you’ll use your PIP and UM/UIM coverage first. If the hit-and-run driver is eventually found and does have insurance, the UM/UIM carrier may seek reimbursement from the driver’s liability insurance carrier.
What damages can I receive when hit-and-run accidents occur in Brockton?
Our Brockton hit-and-run accident lawyers demand compensation from hit-and-run drivers and your own UM/UIM policy for all your current and future damages, including:
- Your medical bills, which include emergency transportation, ER care, surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitative treatment, medications, psychological help, and assistive devices/technologies.
- Your income loss, including wages, benefits, and other sources of income – for every day you can’t work
- Your physical pain and emotional suffering for every ache, stabbing pain, itch, worry, stress, and anxiety
- The damage to your vehicle, bicycle, or any other property
- Any scarring or disfigurement
- The loss of life’s pleasures
- Inability to use a body part
- The loss of consortium (marital enjoyment)
We work with the police to coordinate your civil case with their criminal cases. We seek punitive damages in hit-and-run accident cases in Brockton unless there’s a legitimate defense (they’re rarely is).
If your loved one dies in a hit-and-run accident, we seek wrongful death damages (funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, and all personal damages) on behalf of the family members.
Do you have a lawyer near me in Brockton, Massachusetts who can handle my hit-and-run accident claim?
Yes, we are located at 555 Pleasant Street, Brockton, MA 02301. You can speak with us by phone or through online conversations. If you cannot come to our office, we can find an alternative way to meet with you.
Our lawyers will guide you step-by-step through the claims process.
Speak with our experienced car, pedestrian, and bicycle accident lawyers today
You have the right to be angry and upset. The driver who struck you wasn’t just negligent; they were uncaring. At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we have more than 30 years of experience fighting for personal injury victims. Our Brockton hit-and-run drivers are ready to hold these drivers accountable and fight for all the compensation you deserve. Call us or contact us to schedule a free consultation.