Being involved in any type of car accident is stressful, but a hit and run can be particularly overwhelming. It’s natural to worry about who will pay for your injuries, especially if police can’t find the other driver. All hope is not lost. Milwaukee accident victims can still pursue compensation after a hit-and-run crash, though the insurance process may differ from the typical car accident claim.

At LawtonCates, we understand the anxiety that hit-and-run victims feel when growing medical bills, time off work, and other accident-related expenses threaten their financial security. We are an established personal injury firm with a 70-year history of serving injured people throughout Wisconsin. Clients know us for our people-first approach and dedication to providing tailored legal representation that aims to get the job done right. We are proud to be recognized by professional organizations such as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, but most importantly, by our clients’ testimonials.

If you’ve been injured and need legal assistance, reach out today for a free consultation with an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer in Milwaukee.

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver strikes another car and flees the accident scene. Wisconsin law requires motorists to stop and provide contact and insurance information to any involved parties. Leaving the scene of an accident is not only a crime, but it can also make it hard for victims to recover the compensation they deserve.

In addition to requiring drivers involved in accidents to stop and render aid, Wisconsin law requires drivers to report accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police.

Unfortunately, there are many reasons a hit-and-run driver might flee the scene of a crash. They might be afraid that they’ll get in trouble with the police for causing an accident. They might not have car insurance or the funds to cover the damage they caused. In some cases, people leave the scene simply because they panic.

Why You Need Our Milwaukee Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

After a hit-and-run accident, the last thing you need to do is jump through hoops to get the money you need for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and related losses. Healing from your injuries should be your priority right now. Our personal injury lawyers can handle the rest.

While you recuperate, a Milwaukee hit-and-run attorney from LawtonCates can focus on:

  • Gathering evidence from the hit-and-run scene, such as traffic and surveillance camera footage, eyewitness statements, and the police accident report
  • Working with local law enforcement and investigators to help identify the at-fault driver
  • Handling all communication between you and your insurance company
  • Determining what your case is worth
  • Filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your own insurance company if the hit-and-run driver cannot be found
  • Filing a claim against the liable party’s insurance policy if they are located
  • Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurer
  • Filing a personal injury lawsuit and representing you at trial to seek maximum compensation for your injuries

We’re committed to pursuing the money you need to get back on your feet and providing comprehensive legal support throughout the process.

Compensation Available After a Hit-and-Run

Compensation for hit-and-run victims in Milwaukee can cover both financial and personal losses. This could include money for:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Out-of-pocket expenses such as travel to and from medical appointments, medical equipment, household services, and additional healthcare costs
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering

If police locate the driver who hit you and that driver has liability insurance, you can file a personal injury claim against that policy. Wisconsin requires that all drivers have the following minimum amounts of auto liability coverage:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury or death
  • $10,000 per accident for property damage

You likely have options for pursuing compensation even if the other driver cannot be found or if their insurance coverage limits are too low to compensate you fully. Our Milwaukee car accident attorneys can assess your case and determine all possible sources of compensation for you after a hit and run.

What Happens If the Police Cannot Locate the Driver?

If the police cannot locate the driver who caused your injuries, your next option for seeking compensation is to file an uninsured motorist claim (UM) against your own auto insurance policy. In addition to liability coverage, Wisconsin also requires all drivers to have the following minimum amounts of uninsured motorist coverage:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury

Uninsured motorist coverage steps in to protect a policyholder injured in an auto accident involving an at-fault driver without car insurance. However, it also applies to hit-and-run accidents. This is because a missing driver is functionally the same as a driver who doesn’t have insurance. If you recover compensation through your UM policy and the responsible driver is later identified, your insurance provider may seek reimbursement from them for the money it paid you.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Milwaukee

Follow these steps to protect yourself and your right to recover fair compensation after a hit-and-run accident in Milwaukee:

  • Seek medical attention.
  • Call the police immediately.
  • If your injuries permit, take photos of the accident scene and write down everything you remember about the crash, including details like the make, model, and color of the vehicle that struck you.
  • Get witness contact information if possible.
  • Report the hit and run to your insurance provider as soon as possible. This step will be crucial if you need to file an uninsured motorist claim.
  • Follow up with all medical treatment for your injuries.
  • Keep track of all accident-related expenses, including medical bills, records of lost wages, prescription receipts, and other costs.
  • Consult an experienced Milwaukee hit-and-run accident lawyer. They can provide legal guidance and help investigate your case, file a personal injury claim or UM claim, and represent you during settlement negotiations.

Contact Our Experienced Hit-and-Run Attorneys in Milwaukee

At LawtonCates, we believe in justice and accountability for injured people. When another motorist leaves you hurt at the scene of an accident, our Milwaukee car accident lawyers will step in and leave no stone unturned while searching for the negligent driver. You can count on us to craft a compelling hit-and-run case that advocates for your right to full and fair compensation.

Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation with an experienced Milwaukee hit-and-run attorney. We’ll review your personal injury case, explain your options for seeking financial recovery, and answer any questions you may have. We want you to feel confident that you have the information necessary to make informed legal decisions.