Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Madison County

Personal Attention After a Hit-and-Run in Madison County, Alabama

A hit-and-run injury claim can require two efforts at once: investigating the unidentified driver and pursuing an insurance claim if that person can’t be found. Shipman & Associates, P.C. represents injured people and their families in injury and civil litigation matters.

We bring more than 30 years of experience to serious accident cases. We provide personalized attention while examining the available evidence, applicable insurance coverage, and legal issues that may affect a claim in Madison County, Alabama.

Speak with our hit-and-run accident lawyer about your next steps. Call (256) 277-9117 to discuss the collision and the information available so far.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Information at the scene can disappear quickly. After addressing immediate safety concerns, report the collision to law enforcement so there’s an official record of the crash, the fleeing vehicle, its direction of travel, and other available details.

Our Great Eight rules identify important actions after an injury:

• Get medical attention. Seek care and describe your symptoms accurately.
• Be candid with your doctor. Give an honest account of your injuries, limitations, and medical history.
• Follow your doctor’s orders. Attend recommended care and follow the instructions you receive.
• Document lost work time. Keep records of missed shifts, reduced hours, and other employment effects.
• Talk to an insurer. Report the collision to the appropriate insurance company.
• Avoid the wrongdoer’s insurer. Don’t give that company a statement before obtaining legal guidance.
• Tell the truth. Keep every account of the collision and your injuries accurate.
• Hire a lawyer. Get advice about evidence, insurance communications, and applicable deadlines.

When it’s safe, photograph the crash scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Collect witness names and contact information for later questions about the vehicle, driver, crash sequence, or direction of travel. Note nearby businesses, homes, or traffic systems that may have surveillance footage without attempting to obtain private recordings yourself.

Insurance Options When the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Unidentified

For coverage purposes in Alabama, an unidentified hit-and-run driver is treated as an uninsured driver. Alabama automobile liability policies include uninsured motorist coverage unless the named insured rejected it in writing. Whether that protection applies depends on the policy, the collision facts, and compliance with applicable requirements.

When available, this coverage can compensate an injured person for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the fleeing driver is never identified. If investigators later identify the driver, the claim may involve that person’s liability insurance. An identified but uninsured driver may require a case-specific review of uninsured motorist coverage and any other potential source of responsibility.

We handle motor vehicle accident claims. Our posted litigation results include auto accident recoveries of $1,375,000, $700,000, and $545,000. Past results don’t guarantee a particular result in another case.

Deadlines & Fault Rules for Alabama Hit-and-Run Claims

Alabama law requires a driver involved in an injury accident to stop immediately at the scene or return to it. The driver must provide identifying information and render reasonable aid. Leaving the scene doesn’t eliminate the need to prove negligence, injuries, damages, and any available insurance coverage in a civil claim.

A negligence action for personal injury in Alabama generally has a two-year statute of limitations, meaning the lawsuit ordinarily must be filed within two years. A direct uninsured or underinsured motorist claim against the injured person’s insurer is treated as a contractual claim and generally has a six-year limitations period beginning on the crash date. Insurance notice requirements and other obligations may follow different timelines, so the longer contractual period isn’t a reason to delay.

Alabama also follows contributory negligence, which can completely bar recovery if the injured person is found even minimally at fault. This rule can apply to hit-and-run and uninsured motorist claims, as well as a negligence claim against an identified driver. Scene evidence, witness information, vehicle damage, and accurate statements can become critical when fault is disputed.

What Happens During a Hit-and-Run Case Review

We begin by discussing the crash facts and injuries, then assess the available evidence. We also review insurance issues and legal deadlines, including how the available paths may change if the fleeing driver is identified after the initial police report.

We continue our legal education with a focus on injury and civil litigation. That focused study informs the guidance we provide as clients navigate the legal and insurance issues following a serious accident.

Discuss Your Options Without Upfront Legal Fees

A free case consultation allows us to review a hit-and-run accident in Madison County, Alabama, discuss potential insurance paths, and identify deadlines that may apply.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t charge legal fees unless we secure a recovery. Our contact form is also available for submitting initial information.

Call (256) 277-9117 to request your free consultation with our hit-and-run accident lawyer.