If you were hit by a negligent driver who fled the scene of the accident, you may be facing significant medical bills, time away from work, and lasting impacts on your daily life. But we're here to help. Our Baltimore-based auto accident lawyers understand the challenges hit-and-run victims face and are here to help you get your life back on track.
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming and frustrating. At Innovate Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand the special challenges these types of cases present and have helped many Baltimore residents navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run. Our experienced attorneys will work hard to find every possible way to get you compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.
Hit-and-run accidents in Baltimore
Hit-and-run accidents happen far too often in Baltimore, especially in high-traffic areas like Downtown and the Inner Harbor, and along major roads like Eastern Avenue and Orleans Street. These accidents leave victims with serious injuries, huge medical bills, and significant property damage.
Maryland law requires drivers to stop, exchange information, and render aid if necessary after an accident. When drivers flee the scene, they not only break the law but create additional burdens for their victims. Our attorneys understand the frustration and uncertainty these situations create, and we're here to help you understand your rights and options under Maryland law.
Legal options after a hit-and-run
When handling hit-and-run cases in Baltimore, our attorneys pursue multiple avenues to get our clients compensation. The primary path often involves working with your own insurance company through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which is required in Maryland. This coverage can provide compensation for your injuries and property damage even if the at-fault driver can't be found.
We also work with law enforcement and conduct our own investigation to identify the fleeing driver. Our team uses:
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Nearby business surveillance
- Expert accident reconstructionists
- Vehicle debris analysis
- Social media investigations
Maryland insurance for hit-and-run victims
Understanding your insurance coverage is key after a hit-and-run. Maryland requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of:
- $30,000 per person
- $60,000 per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
Many Baltimore residents carry higher coverage limits, and our attorneys will help determine all available coverage under your policy. We'll also look into other types of coverage like personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage to see if there's more compensation available for your injuries.
Building your hit-and-run case
Pursuing compensation after a hit-and-run requires thorough documentation and proper handling from the beginning. When you work with our firm, we start building your case by gathering and preserving evidence. We get police reports, collect witness statements, document your injuries, and calculate your current and future damages.
Our attorneys know hit-and-run accidents cause both physical and emotional trauma. We make sure your claim includes compensation for all your damages, including:
Medical expenses
Your claim should cover all medical treatment related to the accident, from emergency care to long-term rehabilitation. We work with medical experts to project future medical needs and make sure your settlement accounts for ongoing care.
Lost income and earning capacity
We document all time missed from work due to your injuries and calculate any long-term impact on your earning ability. This includes lost wages, reduced work capacity, and missed professional opportunities.
Pain and suffering
The physical pain and emotional distress from a hit-and-run deserve compensation. We help quantify these non-economic damages and present evidence to support your claim.
The investigation process
Our hit-and-run investigation process is thorough and efficient. Time is of the essence in these cases — evidence can disappear quickly and witnesses' memories can fade. Our team acts fast to:
- Get video footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Document the accident scene
- Work with accident reconstructionists
- Contact local law enforcement
- Review physical evidence from the scene
Steps to take after a hit-and-run accident
The steps you take after a hit-and-run accident can affect your ability to get compensation. We recommend:
- Get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be apparent at first, and documentation is key to your claim.
- File a police report as soon as possible. Baltimore police take hit-and-runs seriously, and your report creates an official record of the incident.
- Gather information at the scene if it's safe to do so — including photos, witness contact info, and any visible debris from the fleeing vehicle.
Why choose our Baltimore hit-and-run attorneys
At Innovate Injury & Accident Lawyers, we bring decades of combined experience handling hit-and-run accident cases in Baltimore. Our attorneys understand the nuances of Maryland insurance law and how to maximize compensation through all available channels. We offer:
- Free initial consultations
- No fees unless we win your case
- Direct attorney access
- Regular case updates
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
- Trial-ready preparation
Call our Baltimore hit-and-run accident attorneys
If you've been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Baltimore, don't go at it alone. Contact Innovate Injury & Accident Lawyers for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your situation, explain your options, and show you how we can help get you the maximum compensation possible. Our hit-and-run accident attorneys are available 24/7 to protect your rights and start building your case immediately. We serve hit-and-run accident victims throughout Baltimore and surrounding Maryland communities.
Frequently asked questions
What if the police can't find the hit-and-run driver?
Even if the driver is never found, you may still be able to get compensation through your own insurance policy's uninsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys will help you understand your policy coverage and guide you through the claims process to get you fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file an uninsured motorist claim for a hit-and-run?
Under Maryland law, insurance companies can't raise your rates for making an uninsured motorist claim if you were not at fault in the accident. This applies to hit-and-run accidents where you were not responsible for the collision.
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run accident claim in Maryland?
Maryland's statute of limitations is three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but you should start your claim process as soon as possible after a hit-and-run. Quick action helps preserve evidence, find witnesses, and get video footage that might help identify the fleeing driver. Plus, your insurance policy may require you to notify them of the accident right away.
What information should I try to remember about the hit-and-run vehicle?
Try to remember as much as you can about the vehicle that hit you, even if it's partial information. Key details can include:
- Color, make, and model of the vehicle
- Any part of the license plate number you saw
- Bumper stickers or damage
- Direction the vehicle fled
- Any identifying features of the driver you saw