What to Know About Miss and Run Accidents

You have probably heard of hit and run accidents. There are also miss and run accidents, which you might not have heard of, but likely experienced at some point.

A miss and run is also called a phantom driver accident. It happens when another driver’s reckless or negligent actions force you to crash, even though there’s no actual contact between your vehicles.

A phantom driver accident occurs when one driver’s reckless or careless maneuver forces another driver to react suddenly (such as swerving) to avoid a crash. In the process of avoiding the phantom vehicle, the second driver may collide with another car, strike a pedestrian, or crash in a single-vehicle accident. Meanwhile, the phantom driver continues on, either unaware of the chaos they caused or deliberately fleeing to avoid responsibility.

A common occurrence is that a driver may cut you off, causing you to swerve and hit another car.  Because there’s no collision with the at-fault vehicle, these drivers often leave the scene unnoticed and unidentified, making it difficult to file insurance claims or police reports. These drivers may not even be aware that they caused you to get into an accident.

Even though there was no direct contact between their vehicle and yours, they may still be held liable if their reckless or negligent actions led to your crash and caused damage. However, a miss and run is often much harder to prove than a typical hit and run accident. Without an unbiased witness to back up your account, it can be difficult to establish that the phantom vehicle even existed.

Collecting as much evidence as possible is crucial to supporting your claim. Try to recall key details about the other vehicle, such as its make, model, color, license plate, or the direction it was heading. Depending on the situation, you may be able to gather witness statements or obtain surveillance footage of the incident.

While you can’t file a claim against an unknown driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance under your uninsured motorist coverage. However, without physical evidence, the insurance company will likely challenge your claim. The best way to protect your rights is to consult a skilled car accident attorney. They can help locate this evidence and build a strong case to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Miss and run accidents can be frustrating, especially since they are so hard to prove. They are much more difficult to prove than hit and run accidents but can still lead to significant vehicle damage.

Phantom driver situations can get complicated quickly but don’t let it discourage you from getting help. You may have more options than you think. Get the evidence you need with help from a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. We will work hard to prove your case and help you get full and fair compensation. Fill out the online form or call (281) 347-3247 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

hg.org/legal-articles/miss-and-run-accidents-and-phantom-drivers-not-as-hopeless-as-you-think-31622