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Do not chase the other driver following a hit-and-run

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Someone rear-ends your car as you slow down for traffic ahead of you. You’re still able to drive, though one of your family members is injured, and so you pull to the side of the road. You expect the other driver to do the same.

Instead, the other driver just slows down for a moment and then rush back out into traffic. You watch as the car switches lanes and disappears down the road. Your first instinct is to give chase, but should you?

You put yourself in more danger by giving chase

Your instincts tell you to chase the other driver for several reasons. For one thing, maybe you want to confirm that the license plate number you saw is right so that you can tell the police. Beyond that, though, it just feels unfair and wrong. You want to bring that person to justice for damaging your car, injuring someone and then trying to flee.

How you feel is understandable, but you should not pursue the other car. Instead, call the police and give them all of the information you have. Even with a partial plate number, the police can use other identifying info — like the make, model and color of the car, along with the damage from the crash — and eventually track that driver down. Let them do it so that you don’t engage in a reckless chase that could break traffic laws and put others in danger.

Your options after a hit-and-run accident

Once the police find the driver, you may be able to seek compensation for all manner of accident-related costs, such as the medical bills for your injured family member or the damage to your car. If the other driver isn’t located, you may still be able to recover your losses through your own motor vehicle insurance, depending on the coverage you have.

LET US DO ALL THE HEAVY LIFTING

Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer from Phillips, Hayden & Labbee, LLP. The sooner you get us involved, the more we can do to help you.

(727) 888-PAIN

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What Our Clients Say

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Sharon Elliott

When I first called their office I was able to speak to a paralegal and an attorney right away. They answered all of my questions. Throughout the process of my case the attorneys were in constant contact with me. I knew every step of the process. The staff and attorneys were very easy to talk to. I was extremely pleased with the outcome. My medical bills were high. They managed to get my doctors to write off a lot of the bills which saved me money. PHL is a great law firm. I highly recommend them to anyone. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

REAL ESTATE CLIENT

Amber Joye Rosen, Au.D.

I called numerous attorneys, Michael Labbee was not only the only attorney to call me back at all but called me the same day during his personal time. In the consult, he confirmed my rights as a party to this contract, went over all the ramifications the seller would incur by breaking our contract, and went over cost of litigation if that’s the route I needed to take. I felt more empowered at my options. He was not only knowledgeable and to the point, but kind (yet clearly willing to go to bat to people in their place for my rights!).

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Merrill King

Outstanding attorneys. Extremely knowledgeable of the law. They don’t back down from a challenge!

BUSINESS TRANSACTION CLIENT

Cal Webster

We hired Michael Labbee to build several contracts for our business. Michael and his team are very knowledgable and professional about multi aspects of what we need help on.

PERSONAL INJURY CLIENT

Joey Gill

After my accident I contacted Tyler Hayden to get his advice on legal help and he said don’t worry, we can take care of this and that’s exactly what that firm did. From day one I felt comfortable talking to the lawyers and knew they had my best interest. I would 100% recommend Phillips, Hayden, & Labbee to handle your personal injury case. I’m glad I did.