Car accidents are frightening experiences that, even if minor, can leave you feeling disoriented and helpless. If the accident was a hit-and-run, those feelings are amplified by the frustration of knowing that the responsible driver tried to get away with it.
For help dealing with the emotional, physical, and financial aftermath of a hit-and-run accident in Waldorf, MD, reach out to Attorneys Patrick D. Troxler and Teneshia M. Troxler at Troxler & Troxler Law Firm. They offer a wide range of legal services to help clients seek compensation after auto accidents. You can rely on them to collect evidence about your accident and work hard to uncover the identity of the driver.
What Constitutes a Hit-And-Run Accident?
In a hit-and-run accident, a driver flees the scene of a collision and does not provide contact information or assistance to anyone injured.Â
It is illegal for any driver to leave the scene of an accident in Maryland. This is the case whether the accident involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property.Â
Hit-and-run accidents can occur in various situations, including:
- Car crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Incidents where property is damaged, such as parked vehicles
These cases often present unique challenges because the responsible driver is not immediately identified. This makes it harder for victims to pursue compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.Â
In many hit-and-run incidents, the victim may need to use their own insurance or seek legal representation to investigate and track down the at-fault party.Â
Common Injuries in Hit-And-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening, depending on the severity of the collision. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: These can occur due to sudden impact, affecting the neck, back, and shoulders.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are also frequent, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. They are especially common when pedestrians or cyclists are involved.
- Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or concussions can occur when the victim’s head strikes a surface during the accident.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord damage can lead to long-term mobility issues or paralysis.
- Internal injuries and organ damage: These severe injuries are common in high-impact collisions.
Hit-and-run victims may also experience emotional trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), due to the distressing nature of the event.
After a hit-and-run accident, take these steps:
- Ensure your safety: Relocate to a secure place if you can.
- Immediately call 911: Report the accident, and request medical assistance if needed.
- Document the scene: Take pictures of your vehicle, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Try to gather witness information: This includes contact details and statements, which can help identify the fleeing driver.
- File a police report as soon as possible: This will be essential for any insurance or legal claims.Â
- Notify your insurance company: Provide them with all the information you’ve gathered.
- Consult an attorney: An attorney can help you recover compensation for damages, injuries, and lost wages. This is especially true when the responsible party has not been identified.
Why Choose Patrick D. Troxler, Esq. and Teneshia M. Troxler, Esq.?
As co-founders of Troxler & Troxler Law Firm, Patrick D. Troxler and Teneshia M. Troxler combine strong legal backgrounds with a shared dedication to serving the Southern Maryland community.
Patrick, a lifelong resident of Waldorf, earned his Law Degree from Howard University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University. He also served more than 12 years in the United States Air Force Reserve. His deep roots in Waldorf and extensive experience allow him to deliver legal guidance with a local perspective.
Teneshia, who joined the firm as a partner in 2024, also earned her Law Degree from Howard University School of Law. Known for her thorough preparation, resourcefulness, and trial skills, she now focuses on auto accidents, slip and fall cases, dog bites, and premises liability.
Together, Patrick and Teneshia make the process as stress-free as possible for their clients in Waldorf and across Southern Maryland.
Know Your Legal Options
If we can’t find the driver responsible for your hit-and-run accident, we can still help you pursue other options. You can trust our law firm to help you seek compensation from your insurance company through an uninsured motorist claim. By filing one of these claims, you may be able to cover:
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- Past medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings
- Property damages
To find out what our law firm can do for you, reach out to us today. We’ve helped countless clients deal with the aftermath of their auto accidents. We’ll do everything we can to help you, too.
How Maryland Law Penalizes Hit-And-Run Drivers
Maryland imposes serious penalties on drivers who flee the scene of an accident. These penalties vary depending on how severe the incident was, but they can include hefty fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.Â
For accidents involving injuries or fatalities, the penalties become even more severe, with possible felony charges. Understanding these consequences helps victims see that fleeing the scene is treated as a crime, reinforcing their right to seek justice.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides protection when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or does not have insurance. In Maryland, UM coverage is mandatory, meaning most drivers have it included in their policies.Â
For hit-and-run cases, this coverage acts as a safety net, allowing victims to file a claim with their own insurance to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Without UM coverage, victims may face significant financial challenges if the responsible driver is never found.
How Long Does It Usually Take to Resolve a Hit-And-Run Claim?
The timeframe for resolving a hit-and-run claim can vary widely. If the responsible driver is not identified, the process may rely solely on your uninsured motorist coverage, which could take several weeks to a few months.Â
If the driver is located, additional investigations or legal actions might extend the resolution time, sometimes lasting several months or longer, depending on the complexity of the case.
Can I Sue the Hit-And-Run Driver If They Are Found Later?
Yes, if the hit-and-run driver is identified after the accident, you have the option to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them. In Maryland, this type of lawsuit can help you seek compensation for expenses like medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other losses, such as pain and suffering.Â
It is important to keep in mind that personal injury claims in Maryland must generally be filed within three years, as outlined by the statute of limitations. Acting promptly ensures your legal rights are protected.
Can I Be Compensated for Emotional Distress Caused by a Hit-And-Run Accident?
Yes, emotional distress can be included in your compensation claim if the hit-and-run accident caused significant psychological impacts, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Â
Compensation for emotional distress may require documentation, such as medical records or evaluations from a licensed mental health professional, to demonstrate the extent of the impact on your life.
Can My Insurance Be Impacted if I Report a Hit-and-Run?
Reporting a hit-and-run does not automatically raise your insurance rates. However, your insurer may review the details of the claim when determining premiums.Â
In Maryland, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is mandatory and typically applies to these cases, which means your policy should cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage even if the at-fault driver is not found.
Can Surveillance or Traffic Camera Footage Help in a Hit-and-Run Case?
Yes. Video evidence from traffic cameras, surveillance systems, or even nearby businesses can be extremely helpful in identifying a driver who fled the scene. An attorney can assist in securing this footage quickly, since it may be erased or overwritten after a short period of time.
Will I Have to Go to Court for a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?
Not all hit-and-run cases go to court. Many claims are resolved through your own uninsured motorist coverage or a settlement with the at-fault driver if they are identified. However, if the insurer disputes your claim or if litigation becomes necessary, your attorney can represent you in court.
Can I Recover Damages if I Was a Passenger in a Hit-and-Run Crash?
Yes. Passengers have the same right to pursue compensation as drivers. If the at-fault driver is not identified, you may be able to recover damages through the vehicle owner’s uninsured motorist coverage or your own insurance policy.
What if the Hit-and-Run Occurred on Private Property, Like a Parking Lot?
A hit-and-run is still illegal if it happens on private property. Maryland law requires drivers to stop and provide their information regardless of whether the crash happens on a roadway, parking lot, or residential area. Victims in these situations can still file a police report, pursue compensation through UM coverage, and seek legal assistance.
Trust Troxler & Troxler for Representation
To learn more about your rights and how you can recover full compensation for your car accident injuries, please call our experienced Maryland car accident attorneys at 301-264-6072 today or email us right away to schedule your free consultation.
