Each year, thousands of hit-and-run accidents occur across the country, leaving injured victims and their families struggling to recover. In fact, nearly 3,000 people lose their lives in hit-and-run accidents annually. Alabama has seen a troubling rise in these incidents, with Huntsville no exception.
When a driver flees the scene of a crash, victims are often left with physical injuries, emotional distress, and the uncertainty of who will pay for their losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Huntsville, you deserve answers and compassionate legal guidance. The attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have over 50 years of experience representing injured people in Huntsville and the surrounding areas of Northern Alabama. We have recovered more than $168 million for accident victims.
We know how to investigate hit-and-run cases, pursue all available sources of compensation, and hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
To learn more about your options, please contact our Huntsville office to schedule a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident and Why Do Drivers Leave the Scene?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to provide identification, help the injured, or notify law enforcement.
Under Alabama Code § 32-10-1, any driver involved in an accident resulting in property damage, injury, or death must stop and remain at the scene until authorities arrive and exchange required information such as name, address, and vehicle registration details.
Fleeing the scene is a serious offense in Alabama, punishable by fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Despite the penalties, some drivers still choose to run.
Common reasons include:
- Impairment – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may fear arrest and flee to avoid DUI charges.
- Lack of insurance – An uninsured driver may leave the scene to evade financial responsibility.
- Outstanding warrants or criminal activity – Individuals with outstanding arrest warrants or concerns about illegal items in their vehicle may run to avoid law enforcement.
- Distraction or panic – Some hit-and-run drivers act impulsively out of fear, shock, or confusion after causing a crash.
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, and car accident victims should not bear the burden of another person’s unlawful choice.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Huntsville, AL?
The moments after a hit-and-run accident can be chaotic and disorienting. Taking the right steps can protect your safety, strengthen your case, and help your attorney locate the fleeing driver.
- Gather what evidence you can. If possible, note the other vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number. Even partial information can help law enforcement track down the driver.
- Do not pursue the other vehicle. Chasing the fleeing driver puts you and others at risk. Instead, stay at the scene and wait for police and medical assistance to arrive.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries appear minor, some symptoms take time to surface. Medical records also serve as substantial evidence of the harm caused by the crash.
- Document everything. Take photos of your vehicle, the surrounding area, debris, and visible injuries. Collect names and contact details of any eyewitnesses.
- File a police report. Provide officers with all available information. A formal report creates an official record of the hit-and-run, which can be vital for your insurance claim.
- Avoid social media. Refrain from posting details about the accident or your injuries online. Insurers may misinterpret or use these posts against you.
- Contact our Huntsville hit-and-run accident lawyers. A Huntsville hit-and-run accident attorney from our law firm can begin investigating the incident, coordinate with the police, and pursue compensation through insurance or other available avenues.
Can I Get Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Recovering compensation after a hit-and-run accident in Huntsville depends largely on whether the responsible driver is located and what type of insurance coverage you carry. If the at-fault driver is identified, your attorney can file a personal injury claim against them or their insurer to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement
However, if the driver cannot be found, your auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage (UM) may provide a critical safety net. In Alabama, UM coverage is optional, but many drivers choose to carry it. It applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees and remains unidentified.
Unfortunately, even when filing a UM claim, the insurer may try to limit or deny payment. Although it is “your” insurance company, it still has an incentive to minimize payouts. Having our Huntsville hit-and-run accident attorneys representing you can level the playing field, ensuring your claim is thoroughly documented, properly valued, and vigorously pursued.
At Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our attorneys understand how to effectively handle insurance adjusters who downplay injuries or delay claims. We are ready to fight for every dollar you deserve so you can focus on healing and rebuilding.
How Long Does a Hit-and-Run Investigation and Insurance Claim Take?
The timeline for resolving a hit-and-run case in Alabama depends on several factors, including:
- The availability of evidence, such as traffic camera footage or eyewitness statements
- The complexity of your injuries and medical treatment
- The insurance company’s responsiveness and cooperation
- Whether the at-fault driver is identified
Police investigations can take anywhere from days to weeks or even months. Meanwhile, your insurance claim may take additional time to process, especially if the insurer disputes coverage or liability. Having legal representation can help expedite the process by ensuring all documents, medical records, and investigative evidence are properly presented.
Our Huntsville hit-and-run accident lawyers can monitor all communications with the insurance company to prevent unnecessary delays and keep your case moving forward.
Why You Need Our Huntsville Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys
A hit-and-run crash can leave you feeling helpless, especially when the responsible driver disappears without a trace. You deserve a legal team that knows how to uncover evidence, deal with uncooperative insurers, and pursue every possible path to recovery.
The attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have spent decades standing up for accident victims in Huntsville and throughout Northern Alabama. Our firm’s record includes over $168 million in verdicts and settlements, and we are proud to be recognized among the region’s most respected trial law firms.
We handle every hit-and-run case with care and determination, conducting independent investigations, consulting accident reconstruction specialists, and fighting tirelessly for the justice our clients deserve. You will always work directly with a dedicated attorney who keeps you informed and prioritizes your recovery.
Contact Our Huntsville Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Huntsville, Alabama, do not wait to seek legal help. Evidence can disappear quickly, and deadlines for filing insurance claims and lawsuits are limited under Alabama law.
Let our legal team put our experience and resources to work for you. We are ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the next steps toward financial recovery.
If you are ready to take action, contact us today to set up a free consultation to speak with a Huntsville hit-and-run accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
