Hit and Run Driver Claims the Life of Motorist in Brunswick County, VA

Hit and run accidents are among the worst kinds of crashes we see as Virginia car accident injury lawyers. I was appalled to read a report about how a hit-and-run driver left a driver dead Friday night in Brunswick County.

The accident occurred on State Route 611 west of State Route 623. Virginia State Police said Archie Lee Ruffin was traveling eastbound on Route 611 in a 2012 Honda Civic, when a 1991 Honda Accord, which was travelling westbound on the same road, veered and lost control, crashing into Ruffin’s car.

Both of the Hondas ended up in a ditch, but the driver of the Accord was able to get out, and left the accident scene. Tragically, Ruffin died at the scene of the accident. Police said he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, but they do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. My thoughts are with the family of Mr.Ruffin after this appalling incident.

John Cooper of Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers talks about hit and run drivers

State police are still investigating, and ask anyone with information to contact State Police at (757) 424-6800.

Hit and run accidents are among the worst we see as personal injury lawyers in Virginia. If you lose a loved one due to the actions of a hit-and-run driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the insurance company of that driver once he or she is traced. Hit and run drivers rarely get away with leaving an accident scene. Even if you do not believe you were at fault and an accident does not appear to be serious, you should not leave the scene before the police arrive.

If you are injured by a hit-and-run driver who cannot be tracked down, you may be able to use your own insurance policy to make a claim. All car insurance in Virginia has an element of uninsured motorist coverage which allows you to claim if you do not know the at-fault driver’s insurance details. It’s intended for the bad situation where someone hurts you in a hit and run or you are hit by somebody without insurance.

The insurance companies will not always tell you honestly what insurance coverage is available after an auto accident unless you know to ask the right questions. Sometimes people who are injured do not realize they can use their own coverage in situations of this kind.

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077 or see CooperHurley.com