A hit and run accident case poses unique challenges for the attorneys representing the claimant. If you take such a case, your first priority is to identify the other party. At the same time, you must identify the potential “deep pockets” that can be used to provide maximum compensation for the claimant. But what happens if you cannot identify the hit and run driver on your own, or if you encounter issues locating the applicable deep pockets in your case?
Identify the Hit and Run Driver
Collecting information immediately following the accident is the most important step in the identification of the hit and run driver. And, if some details are not gathered at the scene, an investigation can find them later. Useful information includes:
- Identifying information for the other driver and their vehicle.
- Driver: Height, ethnicity, hair color, distinguishing characteristics, clothing.
- Vehicle: Plate number (full or partial), make, model, color, description of the damage to the other vehicle.
- The direction of travel after the accident.
- Witness statements and witness contact information, including interviews with people and businesses at the accident site.
- Debris from the other vehicle, if any.
- The police report.
- Their insurance information and an insurance claim, if filed.
- Social media investigations to seek out information about a suspected person who caused the accident.
- If driving a company-owned vehicle or a personal vehicle for work, the insurance information for their employer.
- Photographs of the accident scene and of damage to the claimant’s vehicle.
- Video from a cell phone, dashcam or helmet cam – the claimant’s or witnesses’.
- Video from nearby cameras, including security cameras and doorbell cameras.
Video from security and doorbell cameras must be collected in a very timely manner, as those videos are often over-written due to limited storage.
Identify the Potential Deep Pockets
Whether or not you are successful in the identification of the other driver, identification of the deep pockets can maximize the payout for the claimant. The term, “deep pockets,” refers to the sources of funds and assets that can be used to fund the settlement for the claimant that is commensurate with their loss, pain and suffering.
Whether the hit and run driver is known, identified after the fact or remains unknown, these sources could include:
- Insurance policies of the registered owner of the other driver’s hit and run vehicle, when commercial vehicles are involved.
- If the claimant was driving during work, or for their employer’s benefit or while driving a company vehicle, the insurance policies or coverages from the claimant’s employer.
- Worker’s compensation may also become a source when the claimant was working.
- Asset investigation, including savings, stocks, bonds, personal items of value and equity in property, both residential and commercial.
- Municipalities, if road work contributed to the accident. Details of any traffic obstructions at the scene of the accident such as road barriers, construction activities, inoperative traffic signals, etc.
- Any organization(s) responsible for civic events that caused or contributed to the accident.
- Construction companies, if their activities were a contributing factor.
Successful deep pocket investigations protect the claimant’s coverages and assets, especially when the claimant’s insurance limits are low or non-existent.
Hit and Run Investigation Case Studies
We’ve provided numerous attorneys with the information they needed in their clients’ hit and run cases so they could argue their case in court, or settle out of court with overwhelming evidence.
Deep Impressions From The Other Driver’s Vehicle
In one hit and run investigation, while analyzing enhanced photos of the claimant’s vehicle, we noticed what looked like an impression of a license plate. Through further work with the photo, we were able to get the license plate number of the other vehicle. With this information, the attorney was able to locate and successfully litigate against the other driver.
Freeway Helmet Cam Helps Identify The Other Driver
In another case, a motorcyclist was sideswiped on the freeway. The video footage from the claimant’s helmet cam wasn’t the best quality. So, our team enhanced the file by working with the pixels, hues, colors and other settings. As a result, the hit and run driver was located and successfully prosecuted.
License Plate Litter Reveals Driver
Knowing the direction of travel of the hit and run driver is very important. In this case, our team searched the accident site and began working in the direction of travel. A license plate was located in the gutter. Running the number through the DMV, the vehicle description matched the description provided by the claimant. We located the vehicle and were able to confirm it had damage consistent with the accident reports. The driver was prosecuted and the case was decided in favor of the claimant.
Uncover The Hidden with Glucroft Investigations
At Glucroft Investigations, “We Uncover the Hidden,” whether the hidden information involves the identity of the other driver, other responsible parties, insurance policies or assets. Armed with accurate information about possible “deep pockets,” you are able to seek and obtain the maximum settlement for the claimant in your case.
For your next hit and run case, contact Glucroft Investigations to support your efforts to identify both the driver and the deep pockets. We are specialists in accident investigations. Call us today at 866-411-8646 to talk about your case or contact us online. At Glucroft Investigations, We Uncover the Hidden.
