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Des Moines Injury Lawyer

Des Moines Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Hit and Run Accident Attorney Des Moines, IA

What can you do as a pedestrian if you were hit by a car?

auto accident lawyer Des Moines IA

The scenario starts out like any other: You left the grocery store, 4 bags in tow, and you are walking the 3 blocks back to your apartment building. As you wait to cross the last street to reach your front stoop, you press the “walk button” and wait patiently for it to light up. Once it does, you check both ways and begin crossing the Des Moines, Iowa street. Out of nowhere, a car blows through the intersection, plowing into you and sending your groceries flying throughout the street. What can you do from here? How do receive the compensation you deserve for the pain you are being put through?

Des Moines Injury Law has years of experience working with car accident cases and pedestrian claims, and a hit and run accident attorney Des Moines, IA relies on will be dedicated to getting your quality of life back after a traumatic injury like this one. Below is information regarding your injuries and the first steps you can take toward healing emotionally and physically.

What can you do right after the accident?

  1.  Assess the situation. The first thing you should be focused on is getting out of harms ways and contacting the police. If possible, document the scene by taking photographs of the accident and—if this wasn’t a hit and run—get images of the car that hit you. This evidence will be very important as your hit and run accident attorney in Des Moines, IA prepares your case. Further, you will want the contact information of witnesses and you will need to make a call to your insurance company.
  1.  Get medical treatment. Even if you are not immediately in pain after you have been hit, you could have delayed physical or cognitive damage. It is imperative that you receive medical attention immediately. If you are not in severe pain, you can go to your primary care physician, but if you are unable to walk or have other bodily damage, go to the emergency room immediately. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters will be watching to see if you receive medical treatment immediately, and if you do not, it can work against you. Keep records of your visits to the doctors. Your Des Moines, Iowa hit and run accident attorney will likely need them in your case.

 

What to do about medical bills

Depending on which state you live in, you may or may not have to pay for your medical bills after a car accident. If you are in a “fault” state, the health insurance of the victim will pay for the medical bills. Unfortunately, if the victim is in a “fault” state but has no health insurance, they will most likely be forced to pay for the medical bills out of pocket. Conversely, if you reside in a “no-fault state”, then the driver’s insurance will pay either partial or the full amount of the victim’s medical bills.

How to make a claim against the driver

A Des Moines, IA hit and run accident attorney can assist you in making a claim. Typically, the driver of the car that hit the pedestrian (even if the pedestrian was not walking in a crosswalk) will be found at fault for the accident. Because drivers are legally responsible for being alert and aware of what is around them, it is usually considered their responsibility to see pedestrians. It is particularly hard for a driver to avoid liability if the pedestrian was hit in the confines of the crosswalk.

How can Des Moines Injury Law Attorneys at Law help you recover from a car accident injury? Our attorneys are empathetic to the injuries you have sustained and the significant way they have reduced your quality of living. With over years fighting for the rights of pedestrians injured in car accidents, we will go over every detail of your case to give you the help and peace of mind you deserve. To discuss your case with a hit and run accident attorney Des Moines, IA trusts, call our office at today

 

4 Questions To Ask Your Attorney About Medical Bill Coverage After a Car Accident

 Being involved in a serious car accident can transform your life forever, especially if you are seriously injured. Medical bills could skyrocket, even with insurance coverage, and you may find yourself facing a financial crisis as your injuries prevent you from returning to work. Filing a personal injury case may help you cover medical costs, and there are a few important questions you may want to ask your hit and run accident attorney in Des Moines IA as they prepare your case.

What Is My Case Worth?

Learning the monetary value of your case may help you gauge how much you could receive to pay off your medical costs. While no two cases are the same and there is no average value, the amount you can seek will likely depend on the circumstances of the wreck. For example, if the other driver was extremely reckless in his or her driving and caused you a spinal injury, you may be able to seek punitive damages as well as coverage for your medical treatment. Your Des Moines IA hit and run accident attorney can determine what your case is worth when you meet with them. 

Do I Have To Cover Medical Costs First? 

If you are hospitalized after a car accident, you may be initially responsible for your medical bills, even if the other driver was at fault. Court cases can take months to resolve, and most hospitals and medical centers will likely not want to wait for payment. Not only can you protect your credit by paying what you can until the case is resolved, but your actions may also demonstrate your willingness to work with the facilities that treated you.

What If I Cannot Return To Work? 

 If you were severely injured in a car wreck and cannot return to work, paying off your medical bills may seem like an insurmountable task. However, your Des Moines IA hit and run accident attorney may be able to assist you in this instance by streamlining a payment from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This can be especially helpful if your injuries left you with little energy or the ability to communicate with the insurance company on your own. Asking your attorney to represent you may give you greater peace of mind when it comes to securing a settlement in the face of unemployment.

 Can I Get an Attorney Lien? 

 If you do not have insurance or any other medical plan, your Des Moines IA hit and run accident attorney may be able to offer you a lien. In this situation, your doctors treat you and your attorney signs a paper that guarantees them payment when the case is settled. In most cases, your medical bills and your attorney are paid before you receive the remaining portion of the settlement, if any.


Facing medical bills in the wake of a car accident can be daunting, but hiring an attorney can help you navigate the payment process. Call Des Moines Injury Law to speak with a hit and run accident attorney Des Moines IA clients recommend today for more information.

What should you do after a hit-and-run accident in Iowa? 

Becoming a victim in a hit-and-run accident can be traumatic, as a Des Moines, IA hit-and-run accident attorney understands. When the at-fault driver flees the scene after hitting a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another vehicle, it can make the case complicated and leave emotional scars on the victim. If the hit-and-run driver is located, they will have serious consequences to pay depending on the severity of property damage and bodily harm. When you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the trusted team at Des Moines Injury Law.

Understanding What You Should Do Immediately Following the Accident

While you know that you should assess the damage and get medical treatment, there are other things you should do following your hit-and-run accident that can help when you speak with insurance or have the opportunity to file a claim. 

  • Document the scene of the accident. When you are the only person left at the accident scene, it is your responsibility to document everything that happened and everything you see. Note weather conditions, whether traffic lights were out, or if there was traffic. You can take note of how the accident occurred, whether there were witnesses, and what kind of video footage there may be from storefronts or traffic lights. 
  • Speak with witnesses. Witnesses can be your best opportunity for locating who did this to you. If there were any witnesses to what happened to you, not only can they corroborate your story, but they can also potentially give details regarding who was driving the car, what kind of car it was, and which direction it was moving in. 
  • Call the police. You will want to reach out to the police as quickly as you can. The police can come to the accident scene and gather basic information. They also have the ability to quickly get footage from traffic lights and may be able to find out who did this to you. 
  • Call your insurance. Just like you would after a regular car accident, you are going to want to contact your insurance company and notify them of what happened. While you will want to file a claim against the liable party, this is not possible until you can identify who did this to you. Reach out to your insurance company and give them the facts and notify them of the police report you filed. 

Contact a lawyer. A Des Moines hit-and-run accident attorney may be able to use their resources to help you find out who did this and they can help you understand what steps to take. This kind of case can be difficult for the victim because you may feel that you will not get closure, but it is crucial that you speak with your lawyer as soon as possible to see what steps you can take toward legal action.

When you are ready to see what next steps you can take with your hit-and-run case, reach out to the trusted team at Des Moines Injury Law. Our Des Moines hit-and-run accident attorney is here to help you when you need it.

5 Things You Should Know About Hit And Runs And The Insurance Claim Process

Hit and run accidents can be incredibly frustrating and overwhelming experiences, often requiring help from a Des Moines, IA hit and run accident attorney. Dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run can be confusing, especially when it comes to the insurance claim process. In this article, we will address five frequently asked questions about hit and runs and provide you with valuable information to navigate the insurance claim process effectively.

How does insurance coverage work for hit and run accidents?

Understanding precisely how hit and run accidents and the insurance process works can help you protect your finances. In most cases, hit and run accidents fall under the umbrella of uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you when the responsible party is unknown, uninsured, or underinsured. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company to seek compensation for your damages.

What steps should I take when filing an insurance claim for a hit and run accident?

To ensure a smooth process for filing a claim for a hit and run accident, you should start by gathering as much information as possible, including the details of the incident, such as the date, time, and location of the accident. Additionally, provide a detailed description of the other vehicle involved, including any identifying information you were able to gather. Submit any supporting evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, or police reports. Promptly report the incident to the police and cooperate with your insurance company throughout the claims process.

What is a hit and run accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves or provide assistance to those affected. This situation can involve hitting another driver, a pedestrian, or private property. Hit and run accidents are illegal in most jurisdictions and can result in serious consequences for the fleeing driver, which a Des Moines hit and run accident attorney can help guide you more.

How does uninsured motorist coverage protect me in a hit and run accident?

Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection in hit and run accidents by compensating you for damages when the responsible party is unknown or uninsured. This coverage can help cover medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses resulting from the accident. You should always review your exact insurance policy to know the type of coverage you can obtain.

What if the hit and run driver is found?

Should a hit and run driver be found, this fact can dramatically change your insurance claim. Once the responsible party is identified, you may be able to pursue a claim against their insurance policy. If they are found to be at fault for the accident, their insurance company may be responsible for compensating you for your damages. However, it’s important to note that the process can still be complex, and it’s advisable to seek legal guidance to ensure your rights are protected.

Hit and run accidents can be challenging to navigate, but understanding the insurance claim process can help you recover from the incident more smoothly. Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage, especially uninsured motorist coverage, and be prepared to provide detailed information when filing a claim. Remember to gather evidence and promptly report the incident to the police. Lastly, seek legal advice if the hit and run driver is identified to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our Des Moines Injury Law group can help by pairing you with a Des Moines hit and run accident attorney!

 

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