Milwaukee Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

A hit and run accident occurs when at least one driver leaves the scene of an accident without rendering aid or providing sufficient contact information.  If you or a loved one were injured in a hit and run accident, you may be left with serious injuries and frustration that you may not be able to hold a negligent driver accountable

It is important that you know that, if this is the case,  you may have options. At Mingo & Yankala, S.C., our Milwaukee hit-and-run accident attorneys are here to help.  We can help you find avenues to recover compensation for your losses, whether by finding the fleeing driver or through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy.

We have significant experience handling all manner of motor vehicle accident cases in Milwaukee including those involving hit-and-runs.  Call and schedule a free case evaluation today by dialing (414) 273-7400.  We will listen to the facts of your case and let you know how we can help.

How Common are Hit-and-Runs?

Hit-and-run collisions are, unfortunately, very common in the United States.  The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports fatal hit-and-run accidents have hit record numbers in recent years. After conducting a ten-year study, the report found:

  • Approximately 682,000 hit-and-run accidents occur each year.
  • Hit-and-run collisions have steadily increased by 7.2 percent each year.
  • 65 percent of hit-and-run fatalities involve pedestrians or bike riders.
  • A hit-and-run motorist causes 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths.

Wisconsin, too, has seen an increase in hit-and-run collisions. According to the Department of Transportation in Wisconsin, in the last reporting year, there were:

  • More than 18,000 hit-and-run accidents
  • 27 fatal hit-and-run crashes
  • Over 2,500 hit-and-run related injuries, where 233 people suffered severe injury

What Injuries Do Most Hit-and-Run Accidents Cause?

Hit-and-run accidents often involve drunk drivers and excessive speeding. In many cases, hit-and-run victims are bicyclists and pedestrians who sustain serious and catastrophic injuries.

Other injuries may include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal organ damage and bleeding
  • Spinal cord injuries that may result in paralysis or paraplegia
  • Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
  • Lacerations or puncture wounds
  • Severe burns
  • Loss of limb
  • Severe neck and back injuries
  • Crush injuries

Hit-and-run injuries are not limited to the above list. If you have been seriously harmed in an accident involving a fleeing driver, please call Mingo & Yankala, S.C. today.

milwaukee hit and run accident

Compensation in Hit-and-Run Cases

Many hit-and-run accident victims feel that they have no recourse when the at-fault driver flees the scene. However, you may have options for financial recovery.  If law enforcement is able to catch the fleeing driver, or eyewitnesses or investigation leads to identifying them, they will likely be legally responsible for your losses. If they have insurance, compensation would come through their liability insurance policy.  However, if they do not have adequate insurance coverage or if the driver is never found, you may be eligible to file a claim with your own insurance company through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Uninsured motorist (UM) insurance covers any injury you or other occupants of your vehicle incur when hit by a hit-and-run driver. It also covers you if you or a family member is injured after being struck by a hit-and-run driver as a pedestrian. It protects you by making sure money is available to pay for your losses that were caused by someone else. A minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident is required by law, but many people increase their coverage to provide more protection. It is important to note that uninsured motorist coverage does not cover property damage.

Underinsured motorists (UIM) insurance is not required by law.  However, if you have elected to purchase it, it can greatly increase available insurance coverage in the event that a hit-and-run driver is found but does not have sufficient insurance coverage or assets to cover your losses.  If elected, minimum coverage limits of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident are required, but higher limits may be chosen.

Making underinsured or uninsured motorists claims can be especially challenging. If you believe you have a case, it is important that you hire a law firm with experience in this area of law.

Call Our Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys in Milwaukee Today

Hit-and-run accidents are notoriously challenging. Law enforcement will pursue hit-and-run drivers, holding them accountable to the full extent of the law when caught.

In the event the driver is apprehended, you may file a traditional personal injury claim through their insurance company. A traditional injury claim can pursue damages involving:

  • Reimbursement for medical expenses
  • Lost wages if you are unable to work
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Emotional distress
  • Possible punitive damages for severe neglect

However, when the fleeing driver cannot be identified, injury victims are left to wonder how they will put the pieces of their life back together. Our Milwaukee hit-and-run accidents lawyers can help you file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim, while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

We handle all hit-and-run cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win.  Call (414) 273-7400 today for a free and confidential case evaluation.