Being injured in a hit-and-run accident is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. Beyond the pain and confusion, you’re often left wondering: Who will pay for my damages if the at-fault driver fled the scene?
At Fob James Law Firm, our Birmingham hit-and-run lawyers help victims pursue justice through uninsured motorist coverage, civil lawsuits, and aggressive investigation. Here’s what you need to know after a hit-and-run crash in Alabama.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
- Call 911 right away – Report the accident to police and request medical help. A crash report is crucial for your claim.
- Seek medical care – Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately.
- Document the scene – Take photos of your vehicle, skid marks, nearby traffic cameras, and any damage.
- Look for witnesses – Write down names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident.
- Report to your insurer – Alabama requires timely notice of uninsured motorist claims.
- Call an experienced attorney – A Birmingham car accident lawyer can investigate, preserve evidence, and deal directly with insurance companies.
Who Pays After a Hit-and-Run in Alabama?
In most cases, compensation comes from your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM insurance is designed to protect you when:
- The at-fault driver flees and cannot be identified
- The driver is uninsured or underinsured
- A phantom vehicle causes the accident but doesn’t make contact
If you don’t have UM coverage, an attorney may investigate alternative sources of recovery, including:
- Your health insurance (for medical bills)
- MedPay coverage
- Potential claims against other negligent parties (road maintenance contractors, vehicle manufacturers, etc.)
Compensation Available in a Birmingham Hit-and-Run Claim
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
How Our Birmingham Hit-and-Run Lawyers Help
At Fob James Law Firm, we take immediate action to build your case:
- Investigating the crash – We obtain traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements.
- Working with experts – Accident reconstruction specialists may help prove fault.
- Handling insurance companies – We push back against lowball settlement offers.
- Taking cases to trial – If insurers refuse to pay fairly, we are not afraid to litigate.
Our team is available 24/7 for free consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents in Alabama
What should I do if the driver who hit me is never found?
You can file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurer. An attorney can help maximize the value of your recovery.
Can I sue a driver if they’re caught later?
Yes. If police identify the driver, you may bring a personal injury lawsuit against them directly.
What if I don’t have uninsured motorist coverage?
You may still have options, such as MedPay or health insurance, but it is more challenging. An attorney can explore potential avenues.
How long do I have to file a claim in Alabama?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, though deadlines may vary.
Should I Buy Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Yes, you should buy as much UM coverage as you can afford. UM is an add-on to your existing auto insurance. We recommend having at least $250,000 in coverage. In Alabama, UM/UIM is inexpensive, often costing around 5% of your auto insurance premium. The extra $50-$75 per year is well worth it.
What Is the Average Uninsured Motorist Settlement?
Every case and plaintiff is different. It really depends on the facts of the case, injuries, and a host of other factors. Give us a call and we can discuss your specific situtation.
Call a Birmingham Hit-and-Run Lawyer Near You Today
You don’t have to face a hit-and-run accident alone. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better chance you have of securing full compensation.
📞 Call Fob James Law Firm today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, and across Alabama.
Fob James, IV
Fob James obtained a B.S., in software engineering from Auburn University and then continued his education by getting his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law. After working for a large national firm for several years, Fob found that his passion was fighting for individuals who have been seriously injured or wronged by others. Fob believes that the jury is the great equalizer to the power and influence that large corporations have in society. Many of Fob’s cases are high profile and have been featured in, among others: Bloomberg News, PlanAdvisor, AL.com, PlanSponsor, InsuranceJournal, and BusinessInsider. For his work in obtaining numerous multi-million dollar outcomes for his clients, Fob has been recognized by: National Trial Lawyers Top 100, SuperLawyers Rising Star (2020-2025), Birmingham Business Journal Who’s Who in Law (2023-2025), and TrustAnalytica – Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Alabama.