Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Boston, MA
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Boston, you understand how frustrating and frightening the experience can be. The driver who hit you fled the scene, leaving you with injuries, medical bills, and questions about how you'll pay for your recovery. Peck Trial Attorneys's hit and run accident lawyer in Boston helps hit and run accident victims in Boston and throughout Massachusetts pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
We investigate your case, work with insurance companies on your behalf, and guide you through the claims process. When you need a hit and run accident lawyer in Boston, call Peck Trial Attorneys for a free consultation.
Why Choose Peck Trial Attorneys for Your Hit and Run Claim
When you're injured in a hit and run accident, you need a law firm that understands both the legal issues and the emotional impact of your situation. Peck Trial Attorneys has experience handling hit and run cases throughout Massachusetts. Our attorneys understand how insurance companies operate, what evidence matters in your case, and how to build a claim even when the at-fault driver hasn't been identified.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. From the moment you call, we take over the investigation, handle communication with insurance companies, and work to obtain a fair recovery for your case. Our clients trust us because we listen to their concerns, explain their legal options clearly, and do not pressure them into accepting a settlement that does not reflect the value of their claim. If you've been injured in a hit and run accident in Boston, Peck Trial Attorneys is ready to help you move forward.
What Constitutes a Hit and Run Accident in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, a hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident fails to stop at the scene, provide their name and address, show their license and registration, and offer reasonable assistance to anyone injured. Under Chapter 90, Section 24 of Massachusetts law, drivers must remain at the scene of any accident and provide this information to other parties involved. If a driver leaves the scene without fulfilling these obligations, they have committed a hit and run.
The law applies whether the accident involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a parked car. The driver's failure to stop and provide information is what makes it a hit and run, regardless of who was at fault for causing the accident. Hit and run violations carry serious criminal penalties, including fines, jail time, and license suspension depending on whether the accident resulted in property damage or personal injury.
Common Hit and Run Scenarios
Hit and run accidents take many forms. A driver might rear-end your vehicle at a traffic light and speed away before you can get their information. A cyclist or pedestrian might be struck by a car whose driver does not stop. Someone might hit your parked car in a parking lot and leave without leaving a note. A driver might sideswipe your vehicle on the highway and continue driving. In each of these situations, you may have the right to pursue a claim for your injuries and damages.
In Massachusetts, personal injury claims are generally subject to a statute of limitations, but the exact deadline can depend on the facts of the case. For hit and run accidents specifically, Massachusetts law provides a six-month statute of limitations for tort actions once you learn the defendant's identity, provided you report the accident to police and the registrar of motor vehicles within 30 days. It is important to act quickly. The sooner you report the accident to police and contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence and identifying the at-fault driver.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident
Secure Your Safety and Call Police
Your safety is the first priority after any accident. If you're able to move safely, get yourself and your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and move to a safe location away from oncoming traffic. Once you're safe, call 911 immediately. Tell the police dispatcher that you've been in a hit and run accident and provide your location. The police will send officers to the scene to document the accident and file a report.
When police arrive, give them a detailed account of what happened. Describe the other vehicle as accurately as you can, including its color, size, make, model, and any visible damage. If you saw the driver, describe them. Tell the police if you noticed the direction the vehicle went. The police report can become an important piece of evidence in your case, so accuracy matters. This report is essential for both criminal prosecution of the hit and run driver and for supporting your civil claim for damages.
Document the Scene and Gather Witness Information
While you're waiting for police or after they arrive, document everything you can about the accident scene. Use your phone to take photos and videos of your vehicle's damage, the accident location, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible skid marks or debris. This documentation strengthens your case and helps establish the circumstances of the accident.
If there are witnesses at the scene, get their names and phone numbers. Witnesses can provide helpful information about what happened and may assist in identifying the at-fault driver. Ask them what they saw and whether they noticed details about the other vehicle or driver. Witness statements are often critical in hit and run cases where the driver fled before police arrived.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, do not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation creates a record linking your injuries to the accident, which is important for your claim. Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment. These documents form the foundation of your economic damages claim.
How Peck Trial Attorneys Investigates Hit and Run Claims
A thorough investigation can affect the outcome of a claim. When you hire Peck Trial Attorneys, we begin investigating your hit and run claim immediately. We obtain the police report and review it for information about the at-fault vehicle or driver. We may visit the accident scene to document conditions and look for surveillance cameras that might have captured the accident. Many businesses, traffic intersections, and parking facilities have security cameras that can provide crucial video evidence.
Our lawyers interview witnesses and gather their statements. We may work with accident reconstruction professionals to evaluate how the accident occurred. We review available traffic camera footage and check with nearby businesses when appropriate. Then, we take steps to identify the at-fault driver and build a well-supported claim. Our investigation process is designed to maximize the evidence available to support your case.
Even if the at-fault driver is not identified, this investigation can support an uninsured motorist claim by helping show that another vehicle caused the accident and documenting your damages. Uninsured motorist coverage is specifically designed to protect you when the responsible driver cannot be identified or lacks adequate insurance.
Compensation Available for Hit and Run Victims
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the financial losses you incur as a result of the accident. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. Calculating economic damages requires careful documentation of all costs associated with your injury and recovery.
We gather documentation such as medical bills, pay records, and repair estimates. We may also evaluate future medical expenses if ongoing treatment is expected. Our team works to ensure that all economic losses are properly documented and included in your claim for compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the non-financial impact of your injuries. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. They may also include scarring, disfigurement, or the impact on your daily activities and relationships. These damages can be substantial, particularly in cases involving serious or permanent injuries.
Insurance companies often challenge these damages. Peck Trial Attorneys works to present supporting evidence, such as medical records and other documentation, to pursue fair compensation. We understand how to value non-economic damages and present them persuasively to insurance adjusters and, if necessary, to a jury.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In hit and run accidents, you often cannot recover directly from the at-fault driver if they are not identified. Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy may apply in these situations. Massachusetts law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
This coverage may apply to medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages up to your policy limits. If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company. If not, other options may be available depending on your situation. Understanding your coverage options is critical to maximizing your recovery in a hit and run case.
The Hit and Run Claims Process
Filing Your Claim
The first step is to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide the police report number and details about what happened. Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster. Time is critical since most insurance policies require prompt notice of accidents.
You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking in detail with the insurance company. Once you hire Peck Trial Attorneys, we handle communication with your insurer and submit supporting documentation for your claim. We protect your rights throughout the claims process and ensure that your insurer treats your claim fairly.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may offer settlements that do not fully reflect the value of a claim or may dispute coverage. Peck Trial Attorneys negotiates on your behalf by presenting evidence, applying relevant law, and advocating for a fair resolution. Our experience with insurance company tactics allows us to counter lowball offers and push for appropriate compensation.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. We level the playing field by bringing legal expertise and a thorough understanding of your damages to the negotiation table. Many cases are resolved through negotiation without the need for litigation.
Litigation if Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may be an option. We prepare the case, gather evidence, and represent you in court if needed. Many cases resolve before trial, but litigation may be pursued when appropriate. Our trial experience ensures that your case is presented effectively if it reaches the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Accidents
How long do I have to file a hit and run claim in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts generally applies a statute of limitations to personal injury claims, but the exact deadline can vary based on the circumstances. For hit and run accidents, the timeline is particularly important because you have six months from the date you learn the defendant's identity to file a tort action. It is important to act promptly and consult an attorney to understand how the timeline applies to your situation.
What if the hit and run driver is never found?
You may still be able to pursue compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage. You would file a claim with your own insurance company, subject to your policy terms and limits. This is why uninsured motorist coverage is so important since it provides protection when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Can I recover damages if I don't have uninsured motorist coverage?
Your options may be more limited, but other coverage, such as medical payments coverage, or later identification of the driver could provide a path to recovery. An attorney can review your policy and identify all available coverage options.
What is the average settlement for a hit and run accident?
The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, medical treatment, lost income, and available insurance coverage. Outcomes vary from case to case. Serious injuries with significant medical treatment and lost wages typically result in higher settlements than minor injuries.
Do I need to hire a lawyer for my hit and run claim?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but legal representation can help you understand your rights and handle communications with insurers. An experienced hit and run accident lawyer can significantly increase the value of your settlement.
How much does it cost to hire Peck Trial Attorneys?
Peck Trial Attorneys works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk in hiring us to represent your case.
What should I do if my insurance company denies my claim?
If your claim is denied, you may have options to appeal or challenge the decision. Peck Trial Attorneys can review the denial and discuss potential next steps, including filing a complaint with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance or pursuing legal action if appropriate. Insurance companies must follow the law, and we can help ensure they do.
Contact Peck Trial Attorneys for Your Free Consultation
If you've been injured in a hit and run accident in Boston or anywhere in Massachusetts, contact Peck Trial Attorneys to discuss your situation. Our Boston car accident lawyers can review your case and explain your options. Call 857-557-7325 to schedule your free consultation.
