Britt Car Accident Injury Attorneys

Unexpected accidents and injuries can alter lives. During these challenging periods, car accident injury lawyers are crucial allies. They support those harmed by others' negligence, ensuring fair compensation. This piece highlights the important role these lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and rebuilding their lives.

What to Do if You Were Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 11 percent of all motor vehicle crashes involve a driver who flees the scene. Each year, about 1,500 people are killed in hit-and-run accidents, with 60 percent of the victims being pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance carrier to cover your damages.

Iowa’s Laws Regarding Hit-and-Run Accidents

Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal in Iowa. According to Iowa Code §321.261, a driver involved in an accident that causes physical harm and who flees the scene is guilty of a misdemeanor. If the victim dies, the fleeing driver could be charged with a class "D" felony. Hit-and-run victims or their families can also file an injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the suspect if apprehended.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, follow these steps:

1. Call 911: Report the accident immediately.
2. Provide Information to the Police: Give as much information as possible about the fleeing driver and the vehicle.
3. Collect Witness Information: Gather contact details from any witnesses.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene and any damage.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer and check your coverage for potential claims.

What Not to Do

Do not attempt to chase or track down the fleeing driver. Drivers who flee the scene may be dangerous, intoxicated, uninsured, or involved in criminal activity. Leave the investigation to the police.

Filing a Claim

If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company. UM coverage, while optional in Iowa, covers damages in accidents involving uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. Without UM coverage, you may be responsible for your damages unless the other driver is found. Health insurance might cover medical costs after deductibles.

Collecting Evidence at the Scene of an Auto Accident

Importance of Evidence Collection

Preserving and collecting evidence after an auto accident starts at the scene and is crucial for protecting your claim. Acting promptly ensures the evidence remains fresh and intact, which can significantly strengthen your case.

Key Types of Evidence to Gather

1. Photographs: Take pictures of the crash scene, damaged vehicles, tire marks, damaged property, street signs, lights, and anything relevant.
2. Other Driver’s Information: Collect the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance details, and driver’s license and plate numbers.
3. Witness Information: Gather contact information from witnesses, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses. If possible, get written statements or diagrams of the accident from witnesses.
4. Police Report: Ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the accident report and note the case number and officer's name.
5. Additional Evidence: Obtain contact information from anyone who has photos or video footage of the accident or from businesses with surveillance footage that might have captured the accident.

Preserving Your Vehicle as Evidence After a Towed Accident

If your vehicle is towed after an accident, preserving it as evidence is essential for your claim. Improper handling or storage of the vehicle can lead to loss or destruction of critical evidence.

Steps to Preserve Your Vehicle

1. Immediate Action: Find out where your car is being towed and contact your lawyer to send a preservation letter to the tow yard, requesting that the vehicle remain untouched.
2. Private Storage: Move your car to a private, covered storage area to prevent high daily charges from the tow yard and protect the vehicle from destruction or vandalism.
3. Photographic Evidence: Keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment and take photos of the damaged car and accident scene immediately. This helps preserve evidence if the vehicle is lost or tampered with.

Seeking Legal Assistance

Seeking legal counsel from experienced Iowa car accident attorneys such as those at Walker, Billingsley & Bair can provide invaluable support in filing insurance claims or pursuing personal injury lawsuits. With a comprehensive understanding of Iowa law, their team can help gather evidence, establish liability, and secure the compensation deserved by accident victims.

Suffering from the aftermath of a car accident shouldn't impede your pursuit of justice and fair compensation. The Iowa injury lawyers at Walker, Billingsley & Bair work hard to level the field between injured Iowans and insurance companies.

That's why we provide this FREE book; The Legal Insider's Guide to Iowa Car Accidents: 7 Secrets to Not Wreck Your Case. To learn more about what our legal team will do to help you protect your Iowa injury claim, contact Walker, Billingsley & Bair to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call 641-792-3595 to order your free accident book today.