Being hit by another driver and then having them drive away can make a stressful situation even more stressful. Drivers who flee the scene may do so for any number of reasons, but it is generally because they were not doing what they should have been and were in violation of the law.
The experienced car accident attorney from Pyle Law is standing by to answer any questions you might have following a hit and run accident, and we can assess the best course of action for you as an accident victim.
Drunk Driving is a Common Cause of Hit and Runs
Each day in the United States, some twenty-eight people are killed due to drunk driving-related accidents, and the fact of the matter is, all drunk driving accidents are preventable. When a driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they are unable to drive safely and are liable for any damages that they cause in accidents.
If a driver hit and ran, it is possible that they were intoxicated, and understood the implications of being caught. Fleeing the scene of an accident is also illegal, and breaking the law while causing an accident often leads to liability.
When a drunk driver hits and runs, it can be very difficult to trace the driver. This is why law enforcement encourages anyone involved in a hit and run accident to get as much information as possible. Witnesses, license plate numbers, descriptions of the vehicle, or any other small detail can help locate the fleeing driver.
Other Legal Violations
Drunk driving is not the only reason why a driver might flee after a car accident. There are some other possible legal violations that may have caused the driver to leave, such as:
- In possession of illegal drugs
- Driving without a license
- Driving without insurance
- Thinking they have a warrant out for their arrest
A driver who lacks either of these is also liable for damages and could face serious consequences if they are caught.
Drivers who fear interactions with police officers might flee the scene to avoid having to deal with law enforcement and risk an immediate arrest. However, they can be in even more trouble if they are caught following a hit and run.
In other cases, drivers may be involved in criminal activities and do not want to take responsibility for the accident, so they flee for fear of repercussions. These drivers usually have little regard for the other people involved in the accident, and their consequences if caught may be more severe than those who fled on a whim.
These are just some of the potential causes for a hit and run accident. Regardless of the reason behind it, drivers who leave the scene of an accident are legally responsible for any damages that occur.
It is important to remember that fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal and could result in fines or jail time. If someone has caused an accident while violating the law, they should be held accountable for their actions.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help with My Hit and Run Case?
When you have been injured in an accident and someone else was at fault, you will most likely be pursuing compensation from the insurance company of the other drivers or involved parties.
However, following a hit and run, you might never learn who the driver was. Your attorney can stay in contact with the police to determine whether they tracked down the driver, but even then, the driver might not have insurance (which could even be the reason that they fled). In this situation, you can file a claim with your uninsured motorist policy.
Even if you are dealing with your own insurance company, they can still try to limit your payment. You want a lawyer handling this type of claim, just like you want a lawyer for a claim against another known driver.
Your attorney can help you understand your rights, find out what coverage is available, and determine the best course of action. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and help you get the compensation that you deserve after a hit and run.
At the end of the day, being involved in a hit and run accident can be a difficult experience. It is important to know that you have rights, even if the other driver is not found. Reach out to a car accident attorney for help if you have been involved in one of these incidents.
Connect with a Kansas Car Accident Attorney Now
Being in a hit-and-run accident can put the brakes on your life until you recover from your injuries, repair your vehicle, and align compensation to cover the full costs associated with your injury. Unfortunately, the recovery process is not automatic, and to collect the compensation you are entitled to, a car accident attorney is very helpful.
To discuss your case with an experienced car accident attorney from Pyle Law, schedule a consultation now.
About Tom Pyle
Tom is a member of the McPherson County, Kansas, and American Bar Associations, the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association (Eagle), and the American Association for Justice. Pyle Law is a personal injury law firm serving clients in Kansas. Our main goal is to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Comments 0