Fleeing the Scene of a Car Accident Affects Everyone Involved

Hit-and-run accidents cause serious injury and financial damage each year. Unfortunately, they are one of the most common types of motor vehicle accidents out there. When dealing with an accident with an at-fault driver who fled the scene, victims face obstacles at every turn while healing from their accident-related injuries.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a hit-and-run car accident, contact the attorneys at Hill Moore Injury Law today to discuss your options for legal recourse.

Hit-and-run accidents are preventable collisions that cause thousands of fatalities every year

When someone causes an accident and leaves the scene without stopping, it affects everyone involved. Not only does it cause unnecessary pain and suffering for victims, but it leads to egregious traffic crimes that leave drivers who flee with lasting penalties and thousands of dollars in fines.

Hit-and-run accidents aren’t uncommon

You might think that only a small number of accidents are hit and runs, but you’d be wrong. Across the United States, millions of car accidents happen each year and thousands of them are hit and runs. According to NHTSA data, there were 2,872 fatalities in crashes involving hit-and-run drivers in 2023 alone. Whether it’s a hit and run accident in NYC or a quiet suburban road, these crashes devastate victims and families.

Hit-and-run accidents aren’t always thefts

A lot of people think that hit-and-runs only occur when someone steals a vehicle. While this can be the case, drivers can commit a hit-and-run by leaving the scene of any type of accident.

So what do you do if you’ve been in a hit-and-run car accident?

Every second counts after a collision, which is why it’s important to know exactly what to do if you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

What you’ll learn:

1. Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are So Dangerous
2. How Fleeing the Scene Impacts Victims
3. Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers
4. What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
5. Why a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Matters

Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are So Dangerous

Hit and run accidents are dangerous because when the other driver flees the scene, it deprives accident victims of valuable information and could cause life-threatening delays in receiving medical attention.

Hit-and-run crashes are terrifyingly common and increasing every year

As mentioned above, thousands of people lose their lives in hit-and-run accidents every year, and fatal crashes are on the rise. Research from the AAA Foundation found that hit-and-run crashes have been increasing by an average of 7.2% every year.

Drivers who flee the scene of an accident can face harsh consequences

Like any other driving violation, penalties for hit-and-run drivers can vary by state. But most states consider it a crime to leave the scene of an accident, no matter the circumstances.

Hit-and-run accidents can occur anywhere

Whether you’re in a major metropolitan area or a small town in the middle of nowhere, if there are cars on the road, chances are a hit and run accident can happen.

How Fleeing the Scene Impacts Victims

Hit-and-run accidents cause financial, physical, and emotional strain on victims.

Financially: Victims can easily rack up thousands of dollars in medical bills and car repair costs from hit-and-run accidents. If your insurance doesn’t cover collisions, or if the at-fault driver cannot be found, you may be left paying those bills alone.

Physically: Evidently, being struck by another vehicle can cause serious physical trauma. If the at-fault driver flees the scene, victims may not get timely access to medical care, which could make the injuries worse.

Emotionally: Depending on the physical injuries caused by the accident, victims can suffer lifelong emotional trauma. Anxiety about driving, anxiety about being around cars, and loss of trust in other drivers are common after a hit and run.

Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers

Like all other states, Texas drivers who flee an accident can face severe legal consequences.

Criminal charges

Hit and run accidents can result in criminal charges that could lead to incarceration, loss of license, and large amounts of fines. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in itself, but if there is bodily injury or death, criminal charges can be raised to a felony.

Civil charges

Unlike criminal charges, civil charges allow the victim of a crime to sue the person who injured them. In hit-and-run accidents, the victim can not only sue the driver who struck them, but because they left the scene, additional charges may be included in a civil lawsuit.

Increase in insurance costs

If you get into a hit-and-run accident and you’re at fault, your insurance will likely go up. It’s better to just accept responsibility than risk driving with no insurance.

You could lose your license

While this seems like a given, if you leave the scene of an accident, your license can be suspended.

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Hit and runs are terrifying and confusing. But there are some important steps you should take to protect yourself after the collision.

Never leave the scene: As soon as you realize someone has hit you and fled, pull over to a safe place and remain inside your vehicle. Turning yourself in to the police may be the last thing you want to do, but it’s better to cooperate than risk further legal action.

Call the police: Once you are safely off of the road, call the police and wait for them to arrive before doing anything else. Gathering evidence and tracking down the person who hit you can wait, but police will need to investigate your claim and file a report.

Write down everything you can remember: As soon as the police arrive you should tell them everything you can remember about the other vehicle. Try to write down everything you remember about the car that hit you. Make sure to include:

• Make
• Model
• Colour
• License plate (if available)

Why a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Matters

Hit and runs are different from most car accidents because police may not have all the information they need to track down the at-fault driver. While it is required by law that you stay at the scene of the accident, sometimes that doesn’t prevent the other driver from getting away.

You may not have all the information you need to file a claim

Without the other driver’s information, it can be tough to involve insurance companies and hope they’ll pay for your damages. If you plan on claiming uninsured motorist coverage, having a lawyer help you will make the process easier.

What if I’m at fault for the hit and run?

If you hit a parked car and leave the scene, you may be able to qualify for collision insurance. But if you only have liability coverage, you’ll be forced to pay for all damages out of pocket.

Hire an attorney to help navigate your claim

Auto accidents can be complicated and insurance companies are not always willing to accept fault. Hiring a lawyer to handle the case means it is being managed by someone with years of experience.

Hit and runs happen every day across the country. They’re serious crimes that could cause severe injury or death to innocent motorists. Don’t let a hit and run driver leave you by yourself.

Bringing It All Together

Hit-and-run accidents are one of the most common types of accidents that occur. However, they are also one of the most frustrating for victims.

When drivers decide to flee the scene of an accident, it impacts everyone involved including the driver who caused the crash. Not only does fleeing an accident scene increase insurance costs for everyone but it could cause serious injuries to innocent bystanders.

Recovering from a hit-and-run accident is difficult enough without having to pay for someone else’s mistakes. The attorneys at a law firm can help victims get the compensation they deserve. Contact them today to discuss your options.