Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Kentucky

Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be confusing and stressful. When someone leaves the scene of an accident, it is a serious crime that complicates the process of seeking justice.

A skilled Kentucky hit-and-run lawyer is essential to protecting your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Rhoads & Rhoads is here to ease your burden, guiding you with care and competence through each step of your legal journey.

Identifying the hit-and-run driver, locating the details of their vehicle insurance policy, registration number, and dealing with your own insurance company can be overwhelming.

Kentucky law imposes strict penalties on drivers who flee, but finding and holding them accountable requires expert legal help.

A hit-and-run lawyer can assist law enforcement in identifying the at-fault driver and help you pursue potential claims through your insurance company, including under uninsured motorist coverage if applicable.

Your accident lawyer will help you track down the person involved, secure their insurance company details, and begin the legal process to secure compensation for your injuries.

Seeking justice after a hit-and-run accident? Rhoads & Rhoads is here to help. Call 888-709-9329 for a free consultation and let us guide you through your legal options.

Compensation You Can Receive from a Hit-and-Run Driver

You may be entitled to compensation for various damages if you’re the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident.

These can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages include measurable financial losses:

• Medical expenses: This covers medical bills like emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment necessary due to car accidents.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income during recovery.
• Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing any damaged property belonging to the person struck, most often your vehicle.
• Future medical expenses: This involves a recovery for medical expenses that will likely be needed in the future by the injured person.
• Impairment to earn: This claim involves the amount of money an injured person will be reasonable likely to lose over the lifetime as  a result of their injuries.

Non-Economic Damages cover more subjective losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Loss of consortium: If your injuries impact your relationship with your spouse or family, you may receive compensation for the loss of companionship and support.
• Emotional distress: This can include psychological effects like anxiety or depression resulting from a crash.

In some instances, you might also be awarded punitive damages for a car wreck. These are not commonly granted but may be applied in a serious offense, excessive recklessness, or malicious behavior by the at-fault party.

Our auto accident lawyers will work diligently to investigate the incident, identify the responsible party, and pursue the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.

We use our extensive experience to help you seek compensation and hold the driver accountable.

Don’t let a hit-and-run accident leave you without answers. Call Rhoads & Rhoads at 888-709-9329 for a free consultation and let us guide you. We fight for you, not just in court, but in every interaction, championing your rights against large companies.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in a Hit-and-Run Accident

Losing a loved one in a hit-and-run accident is incredibly painful, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming.

Filing a civil claim or a wrongful death lawsuit is one way to hold the person responsible accountable and provide much-needed financial support to the grieving family.

This type of claim can cover various losses, including funeral expenses, the loss of the deceased’s financial contributions, and the emotional distress experienced by family members when the person dies.

The driver will likely have skilled legal representation when facing hit-and-run charges and mount an aggressive defense against you.

If you’re facing a skilled hit-and-run defense lawyer, you need a highly experienced attorney to win your case.

The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to secure compensation for the family and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions, including facing a criminal offense and a very large fine.

It’s important not to agree to any offer made by insurance adjusters without speaking to a hit-and-run accident lawyer.

The other driver’s agent will likely try to settle your case for significantly less than it’s worth.

Speak with Rhoads & Rhoads at 888-709-9329 to discuss what the other driver is legally responsible for under Kentucky law. As lifelong members of Western Kentucky, we advocate for the well-being of our entire community.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

After an accident, the actions you take can significantly impact your case.

Here’s what you should do:

• Provide safety: Make sure you and any passengers are safe. If possible, move to a secure area and call emergency services if there are injuries.
• Call the police: Notifying law enforcement after a driver hits you and fleas will create a paper trail you’ll need later. Provide as much detail as possible, including the description of the vehicle. The accident report will be part of your car accident lawsuit evidence.
• Gather evidence: If you’re able, take photos of the scene of an accident, any vehicle damage, and your injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable but could be severe.
• Notify your auto insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company. They can guide you through the claims process and inform you about coverage options, like uninsured motorist coverage.
• Consult with a hit-and-run accident lawyer: Contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer experienced in hit-and-run cases. They can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and represent you if legal action is needed.

Call Rhoads & Rhoads at 888-709-9329 for a free consultation and get the support you need.

Why Do Hit and Run Accidents Occur?

Hit-and-run accidents happen for a variety of reasons, often related to the driver’s fear of repercussions or lack of awareness.

Some of the most common reasons drivers don’t immediately stop include:

• Fear of legal consequences: Kentucky hit-and-run drivers might flee the car accident scene to avoid legal issues, especially if they’re driving under the influence, without a license, or have outstanding warrants.
• Lack of insurance: Some drivers leave the scene of an accident because they don’t have the insurance required by the Kentucky Department of Transportation and want to avoid financial liability.
• Panic and confusion: In the heat of the moment, some drivers panic and flee without fully considering the consequences.
• Unawareness: Occasionally, a Kentucky hit-and-run driver might not realize they’ve caused an accident, particularly in minor collisions.
• Disregard for others: Sadly, some drivers simply ignore the harm they’ve caused and leave the scene of an accident.

Rhoads & Rhoads is here to help. Call 888-709-9329 for a free consultation and start your path to recovery.

Is It Illegal to Leave the Scene of an Accident?

Kentucky traffic laws require a driver involved in an accident to stop, provide contact and insurance information, and render reasonable assistance to an injured party.

When they do not immediately stop, the driver can face serious criminal charges and fines.

1. Accidents Involving Property Damage

If a driver leaves the scene of a crash or pedestrian accident that only involves minor or moderate property damage, it is generally considered a misdemeanor offense.

The penalties can include:

• Fines: The driver may face fines, typically up to $500.
• Imprisonment: The driver may be subject to a jail sentence of up to 90 days.
• License suspension: The driver’s license may be suspended for a period determined by the court.

2. Accidents Involving Physical Injury

When an accident involves substantial damages including injures to another person, and the driver leaves the scene, it can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances.

Penalties may include:

• Fines: Substantial fines can range from $500 to $1,000 or more.
• Imprisonment: The driver could face a jail or prison sentence, typically up to one year for a misdemeanor and longer for a felony.
• License suspension: The driver’s license may be suspended or revoked for a significant period.

3. Accidents Involving Serious Injury or Death

If a hit-and-run accident results in serious physical injury or death, it can be considered a serious hit-and-run charge or class d felony.

The hit-and-run charge penalties are more severe and may include the following:

• Fines: The driver may be fined substantially, often exceeding $1,000.
• Imprisonment: A driver convicted of this offense may face a lengthy prison sentence, ranging from one to five years, depending on the specific circumstances and charges.
• License revocation: The driver’s license may be revoked for an extended period or permanently

Let Rhoads & Rhoads handle your hit-and-run case while you focus on healing. Call 888-709-9329 for a free case evaluation with a hit-and-run attorney.

Contact Rhoads & Rhoads Hit and Run Lawyer in Kentucky

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it’s crucial to get legal help as soon as possible. At Rhoads & Rhoads, we specialize in assisting victims through these challenging situations.

Our experienced team of hit-and-run accident lawyers understands the complexities of Kentucky law, hit-and-run cases, and how to prove the drivers involved were negligent.

Contact the Rhoads & Rhoads legal team today at 888-709-9329 to schedule a free consultation of your Kentucky hit-and-run case.