Getting into a car accident can have a major impact on your life. You car may be damaged. You may suffer from traumatic injuries. You may even have to miss work. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver, then you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance.
But what happens if you are injured in a hit and run accident and cannot locate the responsible driver? Although you may not be able to seek compensation from the hit and run driver’s insurance, you can still find financial recovery for your injuries through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
In Wisconsin, it is illegal to flee the scene of a car crash. In fact, drivers involved in a car accident are legally required to stop their vehicles. Failing to stop after an accident could lead to criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanor to felony charges. In hit and run accidents involving injuries, criminal charges could result in mandatory jail time. Even with these harsh criminal penalties, hit and run accidents still occur every day throughout the state.
If you are injured in a hit and run accident, the first thing you should do is call law enforcement. Law enforcement officers who respond to the scene of the crash will help you receive any emergency medical attention you need following the accident. In addition, they will investigate what happened, write an accident report and attempt to find the driver responsible for the accident.
If police are able to identify the driver, then you may be able to recover compensation from the driver’s insurance policy. However, if the hit and run driver cannot be found, then it will be impossible to seek recovery from their insurance policy.
In the event that police cannot find the other driver, there are other sources of compensation for your injuries. In Wisconsin, all drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage that would help cover medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering and other associated costs in the event that you are in a hit and run accident.
It is advisable to hire a Milwaukee personal injury attorney to represent your interests when filing a hit and run claim against your own insurance company. Although you have paid for your uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will do everything they can to limit the amount owed to you in the event of a hit and run accident. An experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney will investigate the facts of your case, request an accident report, collect medical reports and maximize your settlement.
If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, contact Natasha MIsra Law today to schedule a free consultation.
With snow on the ground, frozen lakes and warm homes, Wisconsin winter can be beautiful. However, it can also be quite dangerous. Roads may be icy. Snow may cause lack of visibility. Car breakdowns are also more common due to the harsh weather conditions.
Should you find yourself in a car accident or broke down on the side of the road during winter weather, having a winter emergency kit packed in your car can be extremely helpful. In some cases, having a well-stocked emergency kit may mean the difference between death and survival.
If you haven’t already done so, you should begin putting together an emergency kit for your next road trip. What you include in your emergency kit will depend on where you drive, how far your drive and if you are traveling with family. In any case, here are the basic essentials every winter driving emergency kit should include.
A basic first aid kit should contain bandages, antiseptic towels, gauze and a first aid manual. The Red Cross also advises drivers to carry the following:
If you are stranded on a rural road because your car broke down, having a few basic automotive tools in the back of your car may help you get back on the road. Many of these tools come stock in new cars, but it never hurts to check your cargo and make sure you have what you need to get out of a tough situation.
A basic emergency kit should include jumper cables, a tire jack, a spare tire and a screwdriver, but you don’t need to stop there. If you are travelling on back roads and more rural areas, consider packing a shovel, an ice scraper, a wrench and other useful tools.
In addition to car tools and a first aid kit, your basic emergency kit should include other items that will help you stay warm, hydrated and enhance visibility. In your emergency kit, pack a flashlight with extra batteries, a large bottle of water and a few snacks. You may also want to pack a heavy blanket in case you have to wait for a tow.
If you are traveling greater distances, consider bringing enough food to last 24 hours. Also, keep a fully charged cell phone charger in your emergency kit in case your cell phone loses its charge. Lastly, you may want road flares or reflective cones to help other drivers safely pass by.
In addition to packing a basic emergency kit, don’t forget to take a few precautions before hitting the road. Check your tire pressure, oil and car battery to make sure your car is safe to drive. Also take time to fully charge your cell phone before leaving your house. Finally, dress for the weather. Wear a heavy winter coat, boots, gloves and a warm hat. Remember, if you are in a car wreck or stranded on the side of the road, you will be without heat.
My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.
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