Baton Rouge Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Baton Rouge Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

Many drivers may believe that fleeing an accident prevents them from experiencing any responsibility for damage or injuries they caused. However, once caught, they could be held responsible for expenses and even face potential misdemeanor or felony charges. An expert car accident attorney in Baton Rouge who handles hit-and-run cases can support your claim and explain your rights A Baton Rouge hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you seek recovery compensation if you are injured or suffer loss in a hit-and-run, helping you understand what to do next.

Personally Managed Cases

At The Lucky Law Firm, PLC, our clients don’t get passed off to other staff. A Baton Rouge car accident lawyer from our team works directly with the people they’re representing. Even though we have offices in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans, we can represent clients throughout the state of Louisiana as well as Mississippi. Our 30 years of combined experience help us offer personalized strategies for our clients.

What Counts as a Hit-and-Run?

Lots of people think that you only have to stop after an accident if it is serious, but this is not the case. Any accident that involves another person or property requires the driver to stop, even if they simply hit a mailbox.

There are lots of different accidents that could count as a hit-and-run. Hit-and-runs are one of many deadly decisions drivers make that put others at serious risk on the road. A driver might drive away after running into someone at a red light or even clip a cyclist or pedestrian. Most importantly, if a driver leaves the scene without taking responsibility and making sure the others involved are okay, it is considered a hit-and-run.

What Happens if the Driver Is Found?

If the driver is located, there are several legal steps that can be taken next, including:

• Criminal charges. Depending on the details of the case, the punishment from the state could either be a misdemeanor or a felony. One of the biggest components of the level of charges is how much damage the individual caused to other people. If there were serious injuries or fatalities, felony charges will likely be issued. The charges can also be increased if alcohol or prior convictions are involved.
• Damage claims. The types of damages that can be recovered depend on the scope of the injury. For the 7,894 people who were injured in a car accident in East Baton Rouge Parish in 2024, these damages can be used to pay damages such as medical bills. . The money might come from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy or from the victim’s uninsured motorist policy, similar to personal injury settlement examples in Louisiana.
• Restitution. If the at-fault driver is convicted of the charges they received, the judge could order restitution. These are payments made to victims meant to compensate them as part of their sentence. These payments would be made separately from any insurance payout or civil legal claim.
• Suspended license. Leaving the scene of a crash prematurely can lead to officials thinking you are unfit to hold a driver’s license. Many individuals who committed a hit-and-run have their license suspended by the DMV. The amount of time the license is suspended varies, but it often lasts several months to years.
• Closure. Finding the driver that’s at fault doesn’t make the crash go away, but it can help victims find closure in their situation. Holding someone responsible can help with the emotional toll of an accident as well as help with monetary damages that come after the most serious car accidents.

Almost 20,000 accidents in Louisiana in 2024 were caused by distracted or inattentive driving. If this applies to a hit-and-run accident, it might be possible to receive compensation.

What Happens if the Driver Is Not Found?

People still have options, even if they can’t find the driver that caused the crash. Most auto insurance policies have uninsured motorist coverage that can pay for damages in the absence of a driver. A Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can help explain how your coverage works and guide you through filing a claim even without knowing who caused the crash.

Sometimes, video footage or descriptions from witnesses can help identify the driver later. Even if the person isn’t caught right away, it doesn’t mean your case is doomed. Working with an attorney can help you increase the chances of finding the perpetrator or help you receive compensation through other methods.

FAQs About Hit-and-Run Accident Law in Baton Rouge,LA

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident usually means that there was a vehicle accident that was not reported before the driver who caused the accident left the scene without stopping first. It could include lots of different types of accidents and collisions with a pedestrian. Even if no one was hurt and property damage was involved, the at-fault driver still had to stop and give their information to the others involved in the accident.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run in Louisiana?

After a hit-and-run in Louisiana, call 911 to report any injuries. Even if the other driver left the scene, stay there, wait for the police, and explain what happened. If you remember any details about the vehicle or the driver, write them down. Look for others who might have seen the crash or contact local businesses or residences to see if they have any camera footage of the road. Speaking with a lawyer can help you build your case.

What Are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Baton Rouge?

The penalty for leaving the scene of an accident in Baton Rouge varies depending on how bad the accident was. If there were only minor injuries or property damage, it might not result in felony charges. However, if injuries were serious or if there was a death involved, it becomes a felony. There were 67 fatalities in East Baton Rouge car accidents in 2024. Some of these likely occurred on stretches known for heavy traffic or poor design, which are among the most dangerous roads in Baton Rouge. Those responsible usually face jail time and fines.

Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply in Baton Rouge Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Uninsured motorist coverage can apply in Baton Rouge hit-and-run accidents. If the driver is never found, then this coverage can cover expenses related to the accident. However, the accident needs to be reported quickly in order to receive this compensation. You also need some kind of proof that the accident caused you harm, regardless of whether or not you know who caused it.

Giving Support to Those Who Need It

Attempting to flee responsibility in a crash through a hit-and-run is a selfish and unlawful action. Those responsible need to be held accountable for their actions under Louisiana law. If you can’t walk away from your injuries, then they shouldn’t be able to walk away either. Schedule a consultation with The Lucky Law Firm, PLC, for answers and strategies for creating your claim.