A hit-and-run accident can be serious and traumatic. Crashes are bad enough, but watching the careless driver flee the scene can add significantly more trauma to the incident.
Not only are you dealing with physical injuries, but you also must address the legal details of a car accident without knowing the at-fault party. However, remember that even though you do not yet know the driver's identity, you may still have a pathway to financial compensation.
A settlement is not automatic when you have suffered an injury in a hit-and-run accident, and you must still go through the same legal process before receiving a check. No matter which insurance company you deal with, you can always expect similar tactics.
An experienced Texas car accident lawyer can fight for your interests after a severe hit-and-run. You must make the call as soon as possible after the accident to get complete protection of your legal rights.
Hit-and-Run Car Accidents Are Increasing
Hit-and-run car accidents reached their lowest point in the late 2000s, in line with an overall drop in crashes. However, accidents have spiked since then, rising 7.2 percent each year. Recently, the accident figures have gotten far worse, as American society's respect for traffic laws is declining.
Roughly 7 percent of car accident fatalities occur in hit-and-run accidents, and recently, there were around 2,500 fatalities in these types of crashes.
Each state is reporting that hit-and-run accidents are nearing record highs, and the result is that accident victims may have a more challenging time getting all the compensation that they deserve. Traffic enforcement surges have done little to stem the tide of these accidents.
There Is a Legal Requirement to Stop at an Accident Scene
Drivers are legally obligated to stop at the scene of a car accident. Motorists must exchange contact and insurance information with each other so they can report the incident to their insurance company.
The requirement to stop and remain at the scene is not just limited to when there are physical injuries; the driver must stop anytime if there is even a slight amount of property damage.
When drivers fail to stop, they can face serious consequences. However, many injured accident victims also face consequences, as seeking compensation becomes a more challenging process.
Why Some Drivers May Not Stop After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Some drivers may not stop at the scene of the accident, and reasons for fleeing a hit-and-run accident include:
- The driver does not have any car insurance
- Motorists panic and act irrationally after a crash
- There may be an outstanding warrant for the driver's arrest
- The driver may be an undocumented immigrant, and they fear deportation
- The motorist is intoxicated, and they do not want law enforcement officials to arrest them
Regardless of the reason for not stopping, it is illegal to flee, and a driver can be sentenced to significant jail time if they leave the scene of an accident with injuries. Police will launch an investigation to try to apprehend the driver.