Car Accident Lawyer

For pedestrians, being struck by a motor vehicle can result in serious and potentially life-threatening personal injuries. In many cases, it is the reckless actions of drivers who are to blame in these collisions. For victims, getting compensation in a claim can help offset the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages they suffer. In the event injuries prove fatal, holding the at-fault driver accountable can help give grieving family members a sense of justice.

When these types of tragic events involve hit and run accidents, this can end up proving challenging. Witnesses to the accident are often invaluable in providing information that can lead to apprehending these suspects. In many cases of hit and run accidents, witnesses have been known for preventing a potential hit and run driver from fleeing the scene.  

How Witnesses Can Help in Hit and Run Accidents

According to national statistics, there are about 800,000 hit and run crashes in this country each year. This comes out to about one hit and run crash every 43 seconds. Tragically, approximately 2,000 victims are killed in these crashes every year. National statistics also reveal that there has been a steady increase in hit and run accidents each year. The number of hit and run accident fatalities rose about 60 percent from 2009 to 2016. About 65 percent of those victims were pedestrians and bicyclists.

Every state has laws in place that make it illegal to flee the scene of an accident. Despite the potentially severe penalties drivers face for a hit and run, there are a number of reasons why drivers may attempt to leave the scene:

• Lack of driver’s license, registration, or insurance
• Outstanding warrants
• Illegal driving behaviors, such as being under the influence
• Illegal citizenship status
• Thinking they can evade responsibility for the crash

When these types of accidents happen, witnesses are often a crucial link in identifying drivers. They may be able to get a description of the driver or vehicle and a license plate number, which can be circulated among law enforcement officials. This information can also be relayed to local mechanics and the general public, which often helps in apprehending the suspect.

If the hit and run driver is never found, a victim can still obtain financial compensation for their injuries through their own vehicle insurance liability policy. A car accident attorney can assist in this process.

Let Us Help You Today

When hit and run accidents impact you or those you love, reach out and contact a car accident attorney, today.