It’s a sinking feeling: you’re hit by another driver, and before you can even collect yourself, the car speeds away. You’re left with damage, stress, and questions about what to do next. A hit and run accident lawyer serving Lake Charles can help you sort through those moments and understand your options.
The team at Galloway Jefcoat has been serving Louisiana since 1996, and our car accident lawyers serving Lake Charles work hard to protect people who feel overwhelmed after a crash. We’ve built our reputation on steady guidance, respectful treatment, and strong advocacy when the situation calls for it.
We care about our neighbors, we work hard for our clients, and we believe in “Turning Wrong Into Right.” Let us help you with practical steps you can take in the days ahead to protect yourself after a hit and run. When you’re ready, we are here to help.
How We Can Help After a Hit and Run
A hit and run can leave you dealing with injuries, repairs, and insurance questions without the information you need. Our hit and run accident lawyers serving Lake Charles can guide you through each part of the process and make sure you’re not facing it alone.
We Investigate the Crash
Our personal injury lawyers serving Lake Charles can help fill in the gaps. Our team reviews the police report for details that might have been missed in the moment. We reach out to witnesses, collect statements, and look for patterns in their accounts.
We also search for video footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and residential doorbell cameras. These small pieces of information can help identify the driver or support your uninsured motorist claim if the driver can’t be found.
Our goal is to build a clearer picture of what happened.
We Deal With the Insurance Company
Hit and run claims often involve questions, delays, and pressure from insurance adjusters. Some companies push early low offers or try to downplay injuries. We take over those conversations so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or getting overwhelmed.
We handle the paperwork, submit evidence, and push back when the insurance company tries to minimize your losses. Our job is to protect your rights and make sure the insurance company treats you fairly throughout the process.
We Build a Clear, Strong Case
A strong claim relies on organized, detailed evidence. We gather medical records, damage estimates, receipts, lost‑wage documentation, and information about how the crash has affected your daily life. This includes physical pain, missed work, and long‑term medical needs.
We put these details together in a way that clearly shows the full impact of the crash. When we negotiate on your behalf, we rely on this evidence to push for the level of compensation that truly reflects what you’ve been through.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
What to Do After a Hit‑and‑Run Crash
The moments right after a hit‑and‑run can feel chaotic, but a few clear steps can help you stay grounded and protect your claim. These actions create the foundation for the investigation and any insurance claim that follows:
- Stay Safe and Call 911: Start by checking for injuries and moving to a safe spot if you can. Calling 911 brings help to the scene and creates a police report, which becomes an important part of your case.
- Write Down What You Can Remember: Details fade quickly. Try to record anything you notice about the fleeing driver or vehicle, such as:
- Color, make, or model
- Part of the license plate
- Which direction the vehicle went
- Distinct damage or markings
- Look For Witnesses: Ask anyone nearby if they saw what happened. Collect names and phone numbers. These statements can fill in key details that the other driver tried to avoid.
- Take Photos: Pictures help tell the story. Capture your vehicle damage, the roadway, traffic lights, street signs, debris, and your injuries.
- Visit a Doctor: Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries (TBI), don’t show up right away. A medical exam helps identify hidden issues and creates a clear record connecting your injuries to the crash.
- Contact a hit and run accident attorney serving Lake Charles: A lawyer can help ensure you get the treatment you need and handle your claim for compensation with the insurers.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
Other Insurance Options After a Hit and Run
One of the most common questions after a hit and run is simple: How can I recover compensation if the driver is never found? The good news is that you may still have insurance options available, even when the at‑fault driver disappears.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In many hit‑and‑run cases, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage plays a role. In Louisiana, a hit‑and‑run driver is typically treated as an uninsured driver. That means your own UM coverage may help pay for medical bills and lost wages caused by the crash.
UM claims can be complicated. Insurance companies often ask for detailed proof that the crash occurred and that another vehicle was involved. We help gather that evidence and present it clearly, so your insurer has the information it needs to process the claim fairly.
Other Coverage That May Apply
Depending on your policy, other types of coverage may also help, such as:
- Collision coverage, which can help pay for vehicle repairs
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage for immediate medical expenses
- Health insurance, which may cover treatment while the claim is pending
We review your insurance policies carefully and explain what coverage may apply. Our goal is to help you understand every possible source of recovery, so you’re not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
What Compensation May Be Available
A hit and run often leaves you dealing with expenses you never expected, and it can feel unfair to shoulder those costs on your own. When we handle your claim, we look at the full picture of how the crash affected your health, finances, and daily life.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills, including future treatment
- Lost wages if you had to miss work
- Reduced earning ability if your injuries affect long‑term employment
- Vehicle repairs or the full value of your car if it was totaled
- Pain, physical limitations, and ongoing discomfort
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Law Firm Serving Lake Charles
When you’re dealing with the fallout of a hit and run, it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the situation on your own. Medical bills, vehicle damage, and pressure from insurance companies add up quickly, and many people aren’t sure where to turn or how to protect themselves.
At Galloway Jefcoat, we’ve served Louisiana families since 1996, and our team works hard to provide steady guidance backed by real experience. We take the time to understand what you’re going through, gather the evidence needed for your claim, and push for fair compensation.
If you need a hit and run accident lawyer serving Lake Charles, we’re ready to guide you, protect your rights, and stand with you every step of the way. Talk to a car accident lawyer before you call the insurance company to see how we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."