You’re left with medical bills, car repairs, and no obvious person to hold responsible. Many people feel stuck, believing that if the driver of a hit-and-run isn’t caught, there’s no way to pay for their losses.
That isn’t true. Under Virginia law, you have options, even if the at-fault driver is never found. Tronfeld West & Durrett helps Norfolk victims pursue compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, crash investigations, and aggressive negotiations with insurers who often try to pay as little as possible.
How Tronfeld, West & Durrett Can Help After a Norfolk Hit and Run Accident
Hit-and-run claims are based on proving a crash truly happened, connecting your injuries to that collision, and tracking down evidence that might identify the driver.
Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers know how to build strong claims using available evidence such as traffic camera footage, vehicle damage reports, and witness statements. We also handle uninsured motorist claims and work directly with insurance companies to protect your rights.
Whether the at-fault driver is located or not, we pursue every avenue for full compensation. Plus, we operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.
For answers to your questions about a hit and run in Norfolk, call:
800-321-6741
What Is Considered a Hit and Run in Norfolk?
Under Virginia law, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash fails to meet their legal obligations before leaving the scene. This includes situations where the driver fails to:
- Stop and provide identifying information (such as name, address, and insurance) to the other party.
- Offer reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured.
- Report the crash to law enforcement, especially if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
This applies to any type of collision, whether the victim is a pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver. Even incidents involving parked vehicles require the responsible party to leave proper contact details and notify the authorities. Simply leaving a note isn’t enough under Virginia law.
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is people thinking a minor parking lot scrape doesn’t count as a hit and run if the driver leaves a note. Virginia law still requires proper reporting to law enforcement in many situations. We help clients determine whether their incident qualifies as a hit-and-run and collect the right evidence to prove it for insurance or legal claims.
What Virginia Law Says About Hit-and-Run Drivers
Under Virginia Code § 46.2-894, any driver who leaves the scene of an accident involving injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage can be charged with a Class 5 felony. Even when the damage appears minor, failing to stop and report the crash can result in misdemeanor charges.
Drivers also have a legal duty to provide reasonable assistance to the injured. Failing to do so is a criminal offense.
Because of the risks involved, Virginia law mandates Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage in all auto insurance policies. These provisions often serve as a critical resource in hit-and-run claims where the responsible party cannot be found.
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What If the Driver Is Never Found?
Even if the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you may still have options for compensation:
- Uninsured motorist coverage: This is mandatory in all Virginia auto insurance policies and steps in when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or doesn’t have insurance. It can cover medical bills, lost wages, vehicle or property damage, and pain and suffering, similar to what you’d recover from the at-fault party.
- Health insurance: Your personal or employer-provided health insurance can cover emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing treatment after a hit-and-run.
- MedPay or collision coverage: These are optional add-ons in your auto policy. Medical Payments (MedPay) can reimburse medical expenses regardless of fault, while collision coverage helps pay for vehicle repairs after a crash.
Our legal team helps Norfolk clients file strong UM claims, handle insurance pushback, and secure compensation through every available policy. Our experience ensures you’re not left covering the costs of someone else’s negligence.
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What Compensation Can You Recover After a Hit and Run?
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, or ongoing care
- Lost wages or reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering from physical injuries and psychological trauma
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement
- Emotional distress, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members (in fatal cases)
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we help clients turn incomplete details into strong legal cases. Don’t assume you have no options simply because you don’t know who hit you. The right evidence and guidance can help you recover compensation through your own policy or other legal avenues.
If you’re unsure where to start, contact us as soon as possible. Early action is often the key to recovering damages for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Challenges in Hit and Run Claims – And How We Help
Insurance companies may dispute whether uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies or argue that your injuries aren’t related to the crash. In some cases, they even try to shift the blame to the victim to reduce or deny compensation.
That’s why it’s essential to act quickly, while physical evidence and witness accounts are still accessible. Medical records must tie your injuries directly to the Norfolk car accident, and all economic and non-economic losses should be thoroughly documented.
Navigating these claims requires legal experience and attention to detail. Here’s why you should hire a hit-and-run lawyer:
- Identify the driver, if additional evidence surfaces
- Strengthen UM claims with documentation and expert support
- Prepare your case as if it may go to trial to maximize negotiation leverage
Additionally, in many cases, hit and run drivers are also found to be impaired, distracted, or speeding, factors that further justify full compensation. A Norfolk reckless driving lawyer from our team can fight for your rights and advocate on your behalf.
Talk to a Norfolk Hit and Run Accident Lawyer at Tronfeld, West & Durrett
If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident, Tronfeld West & Durrett is here to step in and protect your interests. Our Norfolk team investigates every angle and pushes for maximum compensation, whether the driver is found or not.
With no legal fees unless we win, there’s no risk in getting help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form