Can You Sue Someone for Running You Off the Road?
If the aggressive or negligent driving of another motorist forces you of the roadway, you have the right to seek compensation from them for any injuries you might have incurred or damage made to your vehicle. This is true whether or not that driver made contact with your vehicle. However, there are a number of factors in this type of claim that can make compensation difficult to come by.
If you are involved in a wreck after another driver forces you off the road, it is important that you act quickly. After all, it is impossible to hold that driver accountable if you are unable to identify them. Pursuing a legal claim against that driver may not be simple, but an experienced car accident lawyer could guide you through the process.
What to do after someone runs you off the road
Seeing another vehicle run you off the road can be a scary and emotional experience. It is vital that you remain calm, as the steps you take after the accident could affect your potential injury claim significantly. If the responsible driver leaves the scene, you will need to move quickly in your effort to identify them. The following steps could provide you with the best chance of recovering compensation from the driver that caused your crash.
- Stay at the scene. You might be tempted to chase after the other driver, assuming the damage to your car does not prevent it from driving. It is important you stay at the scene of the crash for a number of reasons. First, the law requires it. Second, chasing that person could prove to be dangerous. Leave that to the police.
- Call the police. Report your accident and any injuries right away. Let them know another car was responsible but fled the area, and provide the best description you can.
- Investigate. Take photos of your vehicle and the scene. If there were witnesses nearby, obtain their contact information. They could prove to be invaluable to your case if they witnessed the accident.
- Seek medical treatment. If you are injured, seek medical care right away. Do not assume your injuries are minor.
- Call your insurance company. Your policy likely requires you to call your insurance company and inform them of the accident. You do not have to speak with them at length however, as your attorney can do that for you.
- Consult with an attorney. One of the most important steps you can take is to consult with an attorney right away. Your legal counsel could help investigate the identity of the other driver and assist you with holding them accountable through the court system.
When you cannot identify the driver
Unfortunately, you might not be able to identify the driver that caused your accident. Even with the help of the police and dedicated car accident lawyers, some negligent motorists manage to avoid the consequences of their actions. That does not mean you are out of options.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your insurance policy, you could be entitled to file a claim with your carrier. This coverage is optional, so you will need to confirm you selected it at the time you purchased your policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to cover your losses after an uninsured or underinsured motorist caused your accident. This includes cases where the identity of the other driver is unknown. Like with most claims, your insurance company could go to great lengths to avoid providing the compensation you are entitled to. Your car accident attorneys could assist you in preparing a claim strong enough that your insurance company cannot ignore.
Let Ellis Injury Law help
If you are dealing with the fallout of another driver running you off the road, Ellis Injury Law can assist you with your injury claim. Our team is prepared to help you investigate the crash and learn the identity of the driver. Alternatively, we can work with you to help you maximize an uninsured motorist claim on your insurance policy. You have legal options, and we are prepared to help you explore all of them. Call right away to schedule a free consultation with Ellis Injury Law.