Do I Have a Claim After a Hit and Run? – Judge knows

April Douglas: Hit and run accidents can be emotionally overwhelming, and they happen more often than you think. Here to talk to us about it is David Greene from Greene & Phillips Injury Lawyers. Hi, David, thank you for being here.

David Greene: Glad to be here.

April Douglas: Now, hit and run accidents — no one wants to think about them, but they happen a lot more than we like to realize.

David Greene: That’s right. We see these all the time, especially on Airport Boulevard and some of the other busy roadways. We see folks that get hit, and they really don’t know what to do. But number one, if you’re involved in a hit and run accident, call the authorities, seek medical treatment, and then talk to a lawyer — like the lawyers at Greene & Phillips — because that can make a huge difference in any settlement you may get.

April Douglas: And these happen — you don’t have to just be driving. You could be in a parked car, a pedestrian, all types of scenarios, right?

David Greene: Right, there are so many different situations where folks simply leave the scene of the accident. Any time you’re involved in this type of crash, make sure you stay at the scene, get the authorities out, get a report, get checked out by a doctor, and then talk to a lawyer like the lawyers at Greene & Phillips.

April Douglas: Now, I imagine Judge probably knows the answer to this, but identifying the driver in hit and run cases — how hard can that be, and how do you help with that?

David Greene: It can be very difficult. But one of the things about Mobile is we have a lot of different videos out there — lots of different cameras we have access to that can help get video of the scene. A lot of times, we can actually find the video, put the case together, and get a result for you.

April Douglas: That is very good. But what happens if you can’t? Do I still have options?

David Greene: Yes, absolutely. Get that report — that’s important. The authorities are going to do their report and do everything they can, but then there’s a portion of your own policy you can proceed on and make a claim. That can put money in your pocket that you may not even know you have — but we can help with that.

April Douglas: David, you talked about what people should do first after an accident. What should they avoid doing?

David Greene: Number one — do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company. That can actually kill your case. Under Alabama law, if you talk to the other driver’s insurance and they’re able to lead you into an answer that shows you may have been one percent at fault, it kills your case. Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company. Call the police first.

April Douglas: All right. And if someone wants to get in touch with you, how do they do that?

David Greene: It’s very simple — go to GreenePhillips.com, or come by 51 North Florida Street in Mobile, or 3000 Winewood in Birmingham.

April Douglas: All right, thank you so much, David Greene. Car wrecks and personal injury cases are stressful — that’s why David Greene of Greene & Phillips Injury Lawyers is answering your questions. Want yours featured? Scan the QR code to submit it for the next “Judge Knows” on WKRG