Miss-and-Run Accident: What is a “Phantom Driver”?

A miss-and-run (also known as a phantom driver accident) occurs when there has been no contact between two vehicles, but the action of that other driver causes you to collide with another car resulting in damages to your vehicle or the other driver’s vehicle. Unfortunately, it is often the case that miss-and-run drivers are never identified because they did not actually make contact with your car, which would usually result in exchanging insurance information or a police report being submitted. This article will discuss miss-and-run accidents and what you can do if you are involved in one.

California Auto Accident Representation You Can Trust

If you have been involved in an auto accident in California, you know just how disruptive they can be. Whether the accident is a miss-and-run or not, the amount of physical and financial damage you suffer can vary widely. When these accidents occur, it is crucial that you receive the assistance you need to recover. Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates personal injury attorneys understand how serious these accidents can be and how important it is to receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more or schedule your initial case consultation, call 888-848-5084 or visit our website today.

What Are Miss-And-Run Accidents?

Miss-and-run accidents are those which involve two or more vehicles, but the driver causes the accident and subsequent harm but does not actually collide with another car. For example, suppose you are driving the speed limit on the freeway. Suddenly, another driver comes up in the lane next to you, cuts you off, almost hitting your car, causing you to swerve to miss them. As a result of acting to avoid the collision, you hit another vehicle next to you. This is a miss-and-run accident because the driver who caused the accident did not physically crash, but their actions caused damage. 

Why Is It So Hard To Recover Damages After A Miss-And-Run?

Miss-and-run accidents often happen in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, in some cases, the driver who caused your accident never stops, continuing to drive as if nothing had happened. Even though they did not collide with your vehicle, they still may be liable if their actions caused your damages.

What Should I Do If I Am The Victim Of A Miss-And-Run?

Even though these accidents happen quickly, gathering as much evidence as possible to support your claim is essential. If possible, try to remember basic details about the driver’s vehicle, like the make, model, color, license plate number, and direction of travel of the other car. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to retrieve eyewitness testimony or video recordings of the accident as it occurred. It is necessary to hire an experienced personal injury attorney to obtain this information. A personal injury attorney who specializes in auto accidents can help you identify and gather evidence crucial to your case so that you may receive the compensation you deserve.

Hiring A California Auto Accident Attorney

Auto accidents can have significant and devastating consequences. The circumstances of a given accident may destroy your vehicle, destroy another person’s vehicle, or cause serious injuries requiring medical attention. No matter how serious the accident, it does not take much for the costs to add up. Regardless of the circumstances, it is crucial that you receive the compensation you deserve from those accountable. Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates personal injury attorneys can help you get the assistance and support you need. To learn more or schedule your initial case consultation, call 888-848-5084 or visit our website today.