Baton Rouge Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Fighting for the Rights of Injured Victims

Being involved in a car accident is traumatizing enough. But when the driver leaves the scene without exchanging information with you, it can become even more frustrating. Leaving the scene of an accident, also called a hit-and-run accident, is illegal in Louisiana and around the country. If you’ve suffered injuries in a hit-and-run, you deserve to seek compensation.

At Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, we understand how stressful this experience can be for you and your family. Not only are you suffering from injuries, medical bills, and lost wages, but you now have to track down the responsible driver to get the settlement you deserve. By working with our team, you can ensure that you collect compensation in a personal injury claim to pay for all of your expenses.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out today. Contact our law firm at (225) 263-6194 for a free consultation about your case.

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident is a car accident where one driver fails to stop at the scene and exchange information or render aid. All drivers are required to stop at the accident scene and give their name, insurance information, and contact information to the other driver. Drivers are also required to render aid if necessary.

When a driver neglects these duties and leaves the scene of an accident, they are guilty of a hit-and-run. The state of Louisiana can press criminal charges against the driver. As the injured party, you can press civil charges against the driver to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

What Are the Penalties for Hit and Run Drivers?

The hit-and-run driver involved in your accident will likely face legal consequences. In Louisiana, there are two types of hit-and-run crimes: misdemeanors and felonies. The penalties for the driver involved in your accident will depend on the severity of your injuries and property damage.

The difference between the charges include:

Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run

Misdemeanor charges are reserved for hit-and-run drivers who leave the scene of the accident without causing death or serious bodily injury. The penalties for a misdemeanor include fines of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to six months. If the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident, they could face additional penalties.

Felony Hit-and-Run

A driver may be given a felony charge if the hit-and-run accident resulted in death or serious bodily injury. Felony charges can lead to a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment of up to 10 years. The driver can face additional penalties if they have previously faced similar charges for drunk driving or vehicular homicide.

Most drivers who are convicted of a hit-and-run will also have their license suspended for two years. Drivers must then pay administrative fees to have their licenses reinstated.

Why Are Hit and Run Accidents More Complex?

Hit-and-run accidents tend to have more variables and may require more legal work. For instance, you’ll likely have to work with the police to find the other driver and get their insurance information. Although car accident cases are civil matters, the hit-and-run driver will likely also be facing criminal charges.

Hit-and-run accidents are also different than car accidents for the following reasons:

Negligence and Fault

Assigning negligence is a key part of a personal injury claim. In hit-and-run cases, you can use the driver’s actions to prove negligence and assign fault. Since there is already proof that the driver broke the law at the scene of the accident, it’s much easier to prove that they acted negligently in other ways.

Even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still sue for damages. In a hit-and-run accident, you are not in any way responsible for the damages you suffered as a result of the negligent driver fleeing the scene.

Punitive Damages

Along with requesting compensation for damages like medical expenses and lost wages, you may also be able to recover compensation for punitive damages. Punitive damages are given as a punishment to the liable party. Judges will often award these damages to victims who have experienced reckless or wilfully dangerous actions. In a hit-and-run accident, you can easily prove that the other driver behaved without regard for your life.

What Kinds of Injuries Do Victims Suffer?

Injuries in a hit-and-run accident can be severe. Victims often suffer the following:

• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Contusions

All of these injuries can cost thousands of dollars in medical bills. You deserve to work with our Baton Rouge hit-and-run lawyer to recover damages for your injuries.

Do You Need a Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Baton Rouge?

Suffering injuries in a hit-and-run accident can be traumatic. If you have paid for medical bills, property damage repairs, or any other expenses because of your injuries, you need a car accident attorney in Baton Rouge on your side.

Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, is here to help you hold liable parties accountable for their actions. With our experience and professional knowledge, we are confident we can get you the outcome you deserve. To learn more about our services and receive a free consultation about your case, contact us today by calling (225) 263-6194.