Bridgeport, CT Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Victims Recover Compensation After Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Bridgeport, Connecticut

Getting hit by a car can be traumatic enough, but when the other driver takes off and leaves you behind, the trauma can be even worse. You may be injured, confused, and not sure what to do next. Who will pay for your medical bills? Will the police find the driver? Do you even have a case?

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we understand how a hit-and-run car accident can affect your life. These situations are deeply personal and unsettling, and we are here to help guide you through the next steps. Whether or not the at-fault driver can be identified, you still have legal options, and we are ready to stand with you.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver causes a crash and does not stop to help or provide contact information. In Connecticut, this is not only wrong, but it is also a crime. Connecticut General Statute 14-224 makes it a crime for any driver involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage to leave the scene without providing contact information or rendering necessary aid.

Unfortunately, there are many hit-and-run cases that take place in Connecticut each year. Some of these involve pedestrians or cyclists, who may suffer serious harm after being hit by a vehicle. Some families may lose loved ones. In too many cases, the person responsible for a car accident just keeps driving and does not stop as required.

Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers

If the police catch a hit-and-run driver, they could be charged with a crime. In Connecticut, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony. These matters will be handled by criminal courts. However, for a victim, the most immediate concern is usually how they can cover medical expenses, missed work, and other costs. These issues are addressed by the civil side of a case. A victim can take steps to obtain financial compensation, even if the driver is never found.

Options that may be available in these cases include:

• If the at-fault driver is found, and they have insurance, a victim can pursue a claim against their policy.
• If the driver is uninsured or left the scene and cannot be identified, a victim may still receive compensation through their own insurance using uninsured motorist coverage.
• In some very rare cases, the Connecticut Office of Victim Services may offer financial help for victims of crime, including hit-and-runs.

Uninsured motorist coverage is meant to address these types of situations. Connecticut requires all auto insurance policies to include this type of coverage. A person who owns a car and was injured by a hit-and-run driver, even while walking or biking, may be covered under their own policy.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

No one expects to be in a hit-and-run. In these situations, what you do in the minutes and days afterward can affect your ability to recover compensation. Even if you do not know who hit you, there are steps you can take to protect yourself, including.

• Call 911 right away. A police report will create a legal record of what happened, and it may help to identify the driver.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Injuries sometimes take hours or days to show up.
• Try to remember details. Write down anything you can remember. Try to recall the color of the vehicle, its make or model, the location and time of the accident, or even part of the other vehicle's license plate.
• Talk to witnesses. Get names and contact info from anyone nearby who saw what happened. Their observations may help to identify the driver.
• Look for cameras. Ask local businesses or homeowners if they have security camera footage from the time of the crash.
• Notify your insurance company. Let them know it was a hit-and-run so they can begin evaluating your uninsured motorist claim.
• Call a personal injury attorney. Do not wait. The sooner you speak to a lawyer at Tremont Sheldon P.C., the better your chances of recovering what you deserve.

Even if you do not have much information about the vehicle or driver, it is still important to report the accident. The police may be able to track the person down using security camera footage or other tools.

Legal Help With Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run cases are different from other car accidents. They involve more than just legal paperwork. They require investigative work, creative problem-solving, and a thorough understanding of Connecticut's insurance laws. Our lawyers can assist with these cases, addressing issues such as:

• Uninsured Motorist Claims: We know how to deal with insurance companies. We will review your policy, document your injuries, and push for full compensation through your coverage.
• Investigation Assistance: If there is any chance to identify a hit-and-run driver, we will pursue it. We can work with local police, review surveillance footage, and analyze the crash scene.
• Communication With Insurers: Insurance companies do not always make claims easy. We can handle the back-and-forth with insurers, make sure deadlines are met during a claim, and protect your right to receive the compensation you deserve.
• Court Representation if Needed: Most claims can be resolved through settlements, but if a trial becomes necessary, we make sure every case is prepared as if it will go to court.
• Emotional Support: We know that dealing with a car accident will not just involve bills. We will work to ensure that you are treated fairly so that you can receive closure and get your life back on track. We treat every client with respect and compassion.

What if I Do Not Have Car Insurance?

If you were a pedestrian or cyclist who was injured by a hit-and-run driver, and you do not have your own auto insurance, you might still have options. For example, you may be covered under a household family member's uninsured motorist policy. If a crash involved a rideshare or delivery service, other coverage may be available.

The best way to learn about your options is to speak with a personal injury lawyer who handles hit-and-run cases. Every situation is different, and our attorneys can advise you on the best ways to proceed while working to ensure that you will receive the compensation you need.

When the Driver Is Found but Has No Insurance

Sometimes, police may eventually locate a hit-and-run driver, but the situation still may not be resolved. What if a driver who caused an accident does not have insurance? What if they were driving a stolen vehicle? In these cases, your legal options may be similar to what they would be if the driver had never been found at all. Our lawyers can help you file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage or explore other sources of recovery. These cases can be complicated, but we know how to sort through them carefully and protect your rights.

What Happens if the Police Identify the Hit-and-Run Driver Weeks or Months Later?

Some people assume that if a hit-and-run driver is not caught right away, a victim will have no chance of receiving justice. However, that is not always the case. In many hit-and-run accidents, the police will need time to gather leads. A witness may come forward later, a surveillance camera may be found that was not reviewed right away, or a tip may be received from someone who hears about damage to a neighbor's car. It can be frustrating to wait, but in some cases, a name does surface.

When that happens, your legal situation can change quickly. If the driver is identified and has insurance, you may be able to shift your claim from uninsured motorist coverage to a direct liability claim against the driver. If the driver is uninsured, our attorneys can still help you receive compensation through your own policy, and we may also be able to sue the driver personally.

When a Hit-and-Run Happens While Riding a Bicycle

Cyclists are especially vulnerable in hit-and-run crashes. Their injuries tend to be serious, and the risk of being thrown from a bike or knocked into traffic is high. Drivers who strike cyclists may claim they "didn't see anyone," or they may panic and leave without checking to make sure the cyclist is okay.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have worked with bicycle accident victims throughout Connecticut, including in Bridgeport, Shelton, and nearby towns where cycling is popular, but safe bike lanes are still limited. In many of these cases, the driver may not be found, but that does not mean a cyclist has no options. We will work with police and investigators to try to track down hit-and-run drivers using street cameras, nearby business footage, or even social media reports. Some drivers may eventually be located because a witness remembers a detail or someone spots a damaged car parked in a driveway.

Beyond the physical injuries, cyclists often face damaged bikes and lost income from missing work. In more severe cases, a crash may result in long-term disabilities or permanent mobility issues. PTSD is also common, sometimes making it difficult for a victim to get back on a bike.

Our job is to document all of a person's damages and build a full picture of how the hit-and-run affected their life. Whether or not the driver is found, we can still help a victim obtain compensation while pushing for the support they need to heal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents

Should I Post About a Hit-and-Run Accident on Social Media?

It might feel natural to share your story online, especially if you are trying to find witnesses. However, it is important to be careful. Insurance companies sometimes use social media to downplay victims' injuries or challenge claims. A well-meaning post can be misunderstood or taken out of context. If you want to share your experience, talk to your lawyer first. We can help you decide what is safe to say and what should stay private until your case is resolved.

What if I Was Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident as a Passenger in Someone Else's Car?

If you were riding in a friend's or family member's car during a hit-and-run accident, you may still have a right to compensation. You might be covered under the car owner's insurance policy, your own policy, or both. These cases can involve overlapping coverage and confusing paperwork. Our attorneys can help you understand who may be held responsible for paying your medical bills and lost wages and how to pursue claims without causing tension with friends or relatives.

How Long Do I Have to File a Hit-and-Run Claim in Connecticut?

You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim under Connecticut law. However, insurance companies may require notice of a hit-and-run much sooner, sometimes within days or weeks. There are also situations where the deadline to file a claim may be shorter than two years. You should consult an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to make sure your claim will be filed correctly.

Contact Our Bridgeport Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys

Being injured in a hit-and-run crash will involve more than just legal issues. These cases can be very personal. You may be dealing with pain and the anger of not knowing who did this to you. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have helped many people in your position. We will listen and explain your options clearly, and we will help you take back a sense of control, whether the driver is found or not.

Your consultation is always free. Call us today at 203-335-5145 or contact our Bridgeport, CT hit-and-run car accident lawyers online. You do not have to face this situation on your own. Let us help. We serve all of Connecticut, including Stratford, Shelton, and Fairfield.