What to Do After a DUI Hit-and Run

Getting hit by a drunk driver is bad enough — but what happens if they try to flee the scene of the accident, leaving you alone to deal with your injuries? This situation is more common than you might think — especially since drunk drivers are much more likely to act impulsively and panic when faced with a difficult situation. But what should you do next? What’s your next move?

Assuming you’ve already filed a police report and received medical attention, your next move should be to get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney. These accident lawyers can help you pursue justice and fair compensation — even if the drunk driver is nowhere to be found. But we know what you’re thinking: “Where can I find accident attorneys near me?” The good news is that qualified Minneapolis accident lawyers are easier to find than a fleeing drunk driver. In fact, most legal professionals will be more than happy to assist you with this difficult situation.

Know that the Drunk Driver Faces Serious Legal Consequences

Right off the bat, you should know that anyone who commits a hit-and-run in Minnesota faces severe legal consequences (1). If they are caught, the courts may sentence them to jail time or prison time, depending on the exact circumstances of the accident. If the accident resulted in serious bodily injury, they will most likely face a felony. Trust the police and the criminal justice system to catch the offender and enact the necessary penalties.

What If No One Can Find the Drunk Driver?

In the rare case that the police cannot locate the drunk driver, there are a number of steps you can take. First of all, check your dashcam footage to see whether you might have recorded the offender. Search your memory for any details of their vehicle that might be helpful — including bumper stickers or license plate numbers. As a last resort, you can check the surveillance footage of nearby establishments.

How Can I Get a Settlement?

Fortunately, Minnesota is a “no-fault” state — one of the few in America (2). This means that recovering compensation for your injuries is relatively easy, and you don’t even have to prove that someone else was to blame. This means that even if you never catch the drunk driver that caused your injuries, you can still turn to your own PIP insurance for a settlement. Of course, a lawyer is still required to help you negotiate for a settlement amount that is fair and adequate.

Where Can I Find an Attorney Near Me?

If you’ve been searching for Minneapolis DUI or DWI accident lawyers, rest assured that there are plenty of nearby legal professionals who can help you. With their assistance, you can strive towards a financial settlement that can cover your medical expenses, missed wages, and a range of other damages. Although a hit-and-run can pose a few issues, you still have the opportunity to pursue justice in a highly efficient manner. Book your consultation with a lawyer today.

Sources

1. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/laws/Pages/impaired-driving.aspx#:~:text=Minnesota’s%20legal%20alcohol%2Dconcentration%20driving,days%20up%20to%20a%20year.
2. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/documents/autoinsuranceinfo.pdf

Image Credit: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1868-0808-9437

Image License: Public Domain

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