You are driving through the busy streets of Boston or cruising down I-93 when suddenly: crunch. Your heart sinks as you watch the other vehicle speed away without stopping. It is a terrifying and infuriating experience. You might feel completely helpless, wondering how you will pay for vehicle repairs or medical bills when the person responsible is nowhere to be found.

If you need a hit and run accident lawyer massachusetts, you should know you still have options. We see these cases all the time. Here is the good news: just because the other driver fled doesn’t mean your case is over. In Massachusetts, you have specific legal protections designed to help you recover even when the “at-fault” party vanishes. You don’t have to face this alone.

What Does Massachusetts Law Say About Hit and Runs?

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in our state. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24, drivers are legally required to stop and provide their information after any collision involving property damage or injury.

When a driver chooses to flee, they aren’t just being rude: they are breaking the law. This criminal act can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, and even jail time. For you, the victim, it adds a layer of complexity to your insurance claim. Fortunately, your own insurance policy is designed to step in when the other driver fails their legal duty.

Your Path to Recovery: Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In many states, if the other driver disappears, you are out of luck. Massachusetts is different. To protect residents, the state requires every driver to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage.

This is the most critical piece of the puzzle for hit-and-run victims. Your UM coverage effectively “stands in the shoes” of the driver who fled. If you are injured by a driver who cannot be identified, your own insurance company pays the damages they would have owed you. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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Why Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Matters Too

Because Massachusetts is a “no-fault” state, your first $8,000 in medical expenses and lost wages are typically covered by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) regardless of who caused the crash. You can learn more about how this works on our page about car accidents and medical bills.

However, hit-and-run injuries are often severe. When your medical bills exceed the PIP limit or your injuries meet the “tort threshold,” your Uninsured Motorist coverage becomes your primary source of recovery.

The Hit-and-Run Victim’s Bill of Rights

When you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you might feel like you have no power. At Joel H. Schwartz, P.C., we believe every victim deserves to know their rights. Here is what you are entitled to under the law and your insurance contract:

  1. The Right to Medical Treatment: You have the right to seek immediate medical care for your injuries, with your PIP coverage acting as a primary safety net.
  2. The Right to Uninsured Motorist Benefits: Your insurance company cannot unfairly deny your UM claim simply because the other driver isn’t identified.
  3. The Right to a Full Investigation: You have the right to have the police and your insurance company investigate the scene to attempt to identify the fleeing vehicle.
  4. The Right to Legal Counsel: You have the right to hire a hit and run accident lawyer massachusetts to represent your interests and ensure your insurance company pays what you are truly owed.
  5. The Right to Fair Compensation: Even if the other driver is never found, you are entitled to compensation for the full physical and emotional impact the accident has had on your life.

A client discussing a hit and run compensation claim with a Massachusetts car accident lawyer in a Boston office.

Why Choosing a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Massachusetts Is Essential

Insurance companies are businesses. Even your own insurance provider might try to minimize the value of your Uninsured Motorist claim. They may question the severity of your injuries or suggest you were partially at fault.

This is where experience makes the difference. A hit and run accident lawyer massachusetts can protect your rights and deal with the insurer directly. We have seen every trick in the book. By preparing for your car accident claim properly, you put yourself in the best position to win.

Why Us? The Joel H. Schwartz Difference

Don’t be fooled by “billboard lawyers” or newer firms that prioritize volume over value. At Joel H. Schwartz, P.C., we offer a level of stability and results that few can match:

  • 60+ Years of History: We have been fighting for the people of Massachusetts since 1965.
  • $500 Million+ Recovered: Our track record of winning half a billion dollars for our clients speaks to our ability to handle high-stakes cases.
  • 30,000+ Claims Handled: We have encountered virtually every accident scenario imaginable, giving us the insight to navigate even the most complex hit-and-run cases.
  • 185+ Years of Combined Experience: Our team of attorneys works together to ensure no detail is overlooked.

Attorneys Standing

Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit and Run

The moments following a hit-and-run are chaotic, but what you do next will define your ability to recover damages.

  1. Don’t Chase the Other Driver: It is tempting to go after them, but it’s dangerous and could lead to another accident. Stay at the scene.
  2. Call 911 Immediately: You need a police report. This is a vital piece of evidence for your Uninsured Motorist claim.
  3. Gather Witness Info: Did anyone see the car? Even a partial license plate, a color, or a make and model can help.
  4. Take Photos: Document the damage to your car and any debris on the road. Look for paint transfer from the other vehicle.
  5. Seek Medical Help: Some injuries, like internal trauma, don’t show up right away. See a doctor to document your condition.
  6. Contact Us: Before you give a statement to your insurance company, talk to a hit and run accident lawyer massachusetts. We will help you avoid the common pitfalls that can devalue your claim.

What if the Driver is Eventually Found?

Sometimes, through police work or witness tips, the fleeing driver is identified. If this happens, your options for recovery expand significantly.

Once the driver is identified, we can pursue their liability insurance for your damages. If their insurance isn’t enough to cover your losses, we can look into Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. In cases of extreme negligence, you may even be able to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against them. You can check how much your case might be worth using our evaluation tools.

Office Consultation - Steven Schwartz and Colleague

Our Credentials and Commitment to You

We don’t just say we are the best; our peers and clients agree. Our firm holds some of the most prestigious designations in the legal field:

  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
  • Super Lawyers Designation (Top 5% of attorneys in Massachusetts)
  • BBB A+ Rating
  • Avvo Rating: Superb
  • AV Preeminent Rating (The highest level of professional excellence)

When you work with us, you aren’t just a case number. You are part of a 60-year legacy of excellence. We handle the paperwork, the investigators, and the insurance adjusters so you can focus on your recovery.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

A hit-and-run is a violation of your safety and your peace of mind. But remember, the law is on your side, and so are we. Whether you are dealing with a minor fender bender or a life-altering injury, we have the resources and the grit to get you the maximum settlement possible.

If you are confused or overwhelmed, stay current with auto accident news on our blog or reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation.
A hit and run accident lawyer massachusetts can review your options and explain the next step. We only get paid if you win, so there is zero risk to you.

Contacting a Massachusetts car accident lawyer for a free consultation after a hit and run in Boston.

Give Us a Call Today

Don’t let a fleeing driver leave you with the bill. Contact an experienced hit and run accident lawyer massachusetts at Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. We’ve recovered over $500 million for people just like you, and we’re ready to get to work on your case.

Visit our practice areas page to learn more about how we can help you get back on your feet.