Phoenix Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a motor vehicle collision caused by a hit-and-run driver, your immediate focus should be on recovering from the incident. You may fully expect local law enforcement to identify the fleeing motorist and apprehend them. Given that most hit-and-runs occur at night, it may make it challenging for the police to track down the fleeing motorist. Even when the suspect vehicle is located, the police may be unsuccessful in identifying the driver.

The unfortunate reality is that even if the fleeing motorist is caught, they may not have auto insurance or carry minimal liability coverage limits. This is where an experienced lawyer comes in. Our Phoenix hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and options for financial recovery under Arizona law. Contact our legal team at Southwest Injury Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Are Hit-and-Run Collisions Common?

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed in a 2020 report that fatalities in hit-and-run accidents increased approximately 26 percent compared to the previous year.
• Approximately 25 percent of pedestrian fatalities in 2022 occurred as a result of hit-and-runs, as reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• According to a 2022 report by the Arizona Department of Transportation, approximately 15,874 hit-and-run drivers were involved in crashes that year, causing 109 fatalities and 3,660 injuries.

What is the Penalty for a Hit-and-Run in Arizona?

Under Arizona law, anyone involved in a motor vehicle collision must stop and exchange information, regardless of fault. If someone is injured, it is the responsibility of the other party to provide reasonable assistance until emergency personnel arrives. If a motorist fails to stop, exchange information, and render aid until medical crews are on site, it may constitute a hit-and-run leading to potentially serious offenses:

• Misdemeanor: If a traffic collision only involves property damage and the at-fault party fled the scene, it may constitute a misdemeanor hit and run charge, as outlined in ARS 28-662.
• Felony: If a motor vehicle crash caused injury or death and the negligent driver left the crash site, they may potentially face a felony hit and run charge under ARS 28-661.

What Information Do You Need When Injured by a Hit-and-Run Driver?

If you are involved in a traffic collision where the at-fault party leaves the scene without exchanging information, gather the following evidence and details to provide to your personal injury lawyer:

• Police report number once filed
• Time and location of the hit-and-run
• License plate number of the offending car
• Make, model, and color of the fleeing vehicle
• Description of the fleeing motorist, if possible
• Photos of the scene and damage to your vehicle
• Last known direction the suspect driver was headed
• Contact information of any individuals who witnessed the crash

Providing this information to your Phoenix hit-and-run accident attorney is essential for building a strong case and tracking down the fleeing motorist.

Why is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Important in a Hit-and-Run Crash?

All too often, people sign waivers for uninsured motorist coverage and later find themselves injured in crashes through no fault of their own. What is most unfortunate about these situations is when a fleeing motorist is involved. Best case scenario is that the suspect is identified and proven to have coverage through their personal policy or their employer’s policy if they were driving for work. Worst case scenario would be the suspect driver is not located and the injured party does not have UM.

Our legal team at Southwest Injury Law recommends all drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage to ensure they have recourse available in the event of a hit and run or a crash caused by someone with no auto insurance. Never sign a waiver to save money on uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage when purchasing an auto insurance policy. It is a worthwhile investment and provides peace of mind when on the road.  

Should I Take the First Offer on an Insurance Accident Claim?

If your insurance company reaches out to extend an offer for a bodily injury claim from a hit and run, politely decline and consult with an experienced attorney. While the insurance representative may appear to care about your situation, their primary goal is to protect the insurer’s financial interests. Their focus is to minimize costs rather than ensure you receive the best possible outcome. Our legal team has extensive experience to seek the full compensation you deserve.

Why You Should Have an Attorney for a Phoenix Hit-and-Run Case

Regardless of your situation, if you have been injured or lost someone you love in an accident caused by a hit and run driver, it is beneficial to retain legal counsel immediately to protect your rights and interests. Our legal team at Southwest Injury Law is prepared to put our resources, skills, and knowledge to work for your case:

• Communication: From the day you sign with our law office, we will handle all written and verbal communications on your behalf. This serves to ensure that your interests as an injured party or surviving family member are protected.
• Evidence: When you hire our Phoenix hit-and-run accident attorneys to represent you, we will collect evidence on your behalf, including eyewitness statements, police reports, and expert witness testimony, to strengthen your case.
• Negotiations: Our legal team can handle negotiations with insurers, aiming to secure maximum compensation for your case. This may help alleviate stress and ensures your rights are protected throughout the process so you can focus on recovering.
• Resources: It is not uncommon for the fleeing motorist to go unidentified by the police. That is why it is important to work with a law office that has the resources to hire a private investigator to track down the hit-and-run driver and hold them liable for damages incurred.
• Contingent Fee Basis: At our personal injury law firm, we operate on contingency. This means clients will not be charged any upfront costs or attorney fees until a settlement is reached or a favorable verdict is obtained. 

Each personal injury or wrongful death case for a hit and run is unique. This is due to the circumstances and facts involved. As such, our legal team cannot predict nor guarantee the results of a case in advance. However, we dedicate our full attention to every client and address all their concerns and questions. To learn more, call or message us online to set up a free case review.

Contact a Phoenix Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today

Discuss your injury case with an experienced Phoenix hit and run accident lawyer in a free consultation. Call our law firm today at (602) 777-3300. We are committed to advocating for our clients and seeking the justice and compensation they deserve. Do not delay and reach out to us today to go over your options moving forward.