When you suffer injuries because of a driver who leaves the crash scene, you still have options for compensation. A Connecticut hit and run accident attorney can help you understand your rights, sort out your legal options, and determine your next steps.
A Connecticut car accident lawyer from our law firm can help you get justice. At Trantolo & Trantolo, we have fought for the rights of crash victims for over 85 years. Contact us today to learn how we can help you during a free consultation with our team.
Why Choose Our Firm to Handle Your Connecticut Hit and Run Accident Case?
At Trantolo & Trantolo, we help accident victims get fair compensation for their expenses and losses. We will not settle for less than you deserve and will prepare your case for court when necessary to secure an appropriate payout. Victims and their families have trusted us with their personal injury cases since 1938.
Our dedicated team of attorneys provided personalized attention and support to every client, using our experience, resources, and skills to develop a strong case and protect their rights. As you can see from our reputation and proven track record of success, we can take on any case, no matter how complex or challenging.
Our law firm provides free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
We Understand How Hit and Run Collisions Occur and How to Manage Your Claim
Hit and run accidents occur in many ways and for many reasons. While all drivers involved are obligated to stay at the scene after a crash, this does not always occur. Some of the possible scenarios include:
Car Accidents
Sometimes, a vehicle has too much damage to leave the scene or requires significant enough repairs to be abandoned later. But in many low-speed or relatively minor accidents, an at-fault driver can flee the scene. This could happen to avoid arrest because they do not have a license or are drinking, or because they believe they can get away with it, such as when they bump a car in the parking lot and leave.
Motorcycle Accidents
A Connecticut motorcycle crash can occur when a driver hits a motorcyclist during a lane change or turn, rear-ends them at a stoplight, or misjudges their distance and speed and turns in front of them. The driver may speed off to avoid getting in trouble for being drunk, distracted, or uninsured. Sometimes, they cause a motorcyclist to crash and do not make contact, then flee.
Bicycle Accidents
Motorists may hit cyclists and fail to stop under many circumstances. This could include sideswiping them in a bike lane or on a narrow road or opening their door into a bike lane. “Hook” accidents are also common. These occur when the motorist is turning across a bike lane.
Pedestrian Accidents
A pedestrian accident typically causes less damage to a car than other types of accidents, which could allow drivers to leave the scene more readily. These accidents occur when a negligent driver hits someone in a crosswalk or parking lot, while backing out of a driveway, or while speeding in a residential area or school zone.
In most cases, hit and run drivers flee due to fear of the legal consequences they might face. While sometimes this is simply because they violated the law and caused the collision, it could also be driving without insurance, being under the influence, or having a suspended license.
Your Options for Compensation After a Connecticut Hit and Run Crash
A personal injury lawyer from our team will look into your insurance options following a hit and run collision. Some of the most common options include:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which covers your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured
- Collision coverage, which pays for repairs to your car regardless of fault
If our team or the police identify the hit-and-run driver, you will file a claim against their insurance or sue them directly for damages. These cases generally proceed like other car accident claims.
Our Attorneys Will Take Steps to Identify the Hit and Run Driver
Once you hire our team to handle your case, we will take the necessary steps to identify the at-fault driver and hold them accountable. This could include:
- Obtaining and reviewing the police report
- Interviewing witnesses about the vehicle and driver
- Collecting surveillance or traffic camera footage near the crash site
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to identify the vehicle make and model
- Using vehicle debris or paint evidence if available
- Coordinating with law enforcement throughout this process
If we can identify the at-fault driver, we can file a claim based on their insurance or sue them in civil court. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 52-584, we generally have up to two years to take action against them.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Connecticut Hit and Run Accident?
Your insurance policies can strengthen your ability to recover full compensation after a hit and run, regardless of whether the police ever identify the at-fault driver. You should be able to seek and secure compensation for some or all of the following:
- Current and future medical expenses for accident injuries
- Lost wages and other income
- Reduced earning capacity for lasting injuries
- Property damage repair
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other intangible losses
What If My Loved One Passed Away in a Connecticut Hit and Run Accident?
If your loved one passed away because of the injuries they suffered in a hit and run, Connecticut law provides a path for loved ones to recover compensation. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 52-555, the executor of their estate can file a wrongful death action to recover damages that include:
- Loss of financial support
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Mental anguish of surviving family members
- Loss of care, guidance, and companionship
Talk to Our Team About Your Connecticut Hit and Run Accident Injuries for Free
Trantolo & Trantolo, provides free consultations for crash victims hurt in a hit and run. We will review your case facts and help you determine your options. Don’t Fight Solo – call Trantolo & Trantolo today.
