When a hit-and-run accident happens, it creates chaos and problems. Remember that staying back at the location of the accident can help rescue the other victims of the accident.

A portion of human beings has an instinct to try and escape the consequences of their Action, especially if the consequence is not palatable. That accounts for the 11 percent of escapees when hit and run accidents occur.

As little as a collision can be, it comes with several civil liabilities, especially to the person at fault. When the accident happens, a series of thoughts run through the mind of both parties, thoughts as; who is paying for the damage and any injuries, does my insurance cover the damage, and in a severe case, you will have to think if there will be a criminal charge. And at the end of the day, for hit and run drivers, not wanting to take responsibility for the property damage is the leading cause of hit and run incident situations.

If you are looking for help with a hit-and-run crash and would like to obtain legal assistance from legal professionals who have extensive experience with hit and runs.

Let us take a look at a few of the reasons why this might occur and what you should do in a hit-and-run accident.

Reasons Why At Least One Person May Flee the Scene of an Accident

Some of the common reasons why drivers flee a collision scene include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – driving while under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offense. DUI has far-reaching consequences and can be charged as a felony in some cases. This is why some drunk drivers will try to escape a collision scene. They want to escape the charges and fines they are supposed to get if caught. Sometimes, people who flee from the accident scene turn themselves in after the alcohol or drug might have left their system and tested negative for a drug test.
• Driving without a license – a person that has not been issued a driver’s license or has their license revoked is not allowed to drive. Sometimes they take risks and drive without a license. When a collision occurs, they tend to flee from the scene to avoid the full weight of the law.
• No car insurance – A few drivers may not have any coverage from a proper insurance company, and that can create problems if a police officer were to arrive at the scene. These individuals might not want to undergo license suspension or pay for medical costs if a personal injury occurred in the incident.
• Panic – a person can make wrong decisions because of fear. Human beings have a fight or flight reflex, and either face a situation or run from it.

Whether it was drunk driving, lack of auto insurance, or serious injury, there is no excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. Indeed, when an accident happens, there is nothing more aggravating than watching the other driver run away without help. Sadly, this happens all too often.

What to do when you are involved in a hit-and-run

If you are a victim of a hit and run or witness an accident where a driver is running away, running after the driver might not be necessary. Instead, try and do the following:

1. Get yourself to safety – as a victim of an accident, safety is paramount. Get out of the car and off the road for your safety. Also, if you are an onlooker, always ensure safety at all times, safety for yourself and the people involved in the accident.
2. Call the police – The accident is meant to be documented with the police. As soon as your safety is guaranteed, dial 911 and report that you have been involved in a hit and run situation. Gather more information and wait for the first responder.
3. Record information about the other vehicle – pieces of information about the fleeing vehicle or the description of the driver can go a long way in bringing the culprit to book. You can write down the color of the car, the model and make, and the license plate if you see it clearly.
4. Record witness’s information – if the hit and run did not happen in a lonely street, there is a high probability that some people would see what happened and maybe the fleeing car. Record what they saw or said and take down their details. It might help you get more information about what you omitted.
5. Get medical attention – even if the accident is not serious, do not reject medical attention. There is a need to assess accident victims to ensure they are not suffering from internal injuries.
6. Call your lawyer – get a car accident lawyer to help you keep up with the case and guide you through the process for a quick and effective result.

It is never a good idea to flee the scene of an accident because it creates further problems down the line if people are aware of the license plate number in a hit-and-run accident.

In cases of parked cars

Sometimes you might be involved in a collision with a property or a vehicle, and there is no one in sight. In such a case, it wouldn’t be a hit-and-run scenario if you leave your contact and details behind and file a police report.

Avoid Punishment By Taking the right Action.

To avoid getting the punishment of a hit and run driver, you need to stop your engine, come down and assess the level of damage caused, take pictures of the accident, and make a note with your name, phone number, and email if possible. You can also write a short description to notify the owner of what happened. Then go to the nearest police station to file a report.

Our Law Offices Are Here To Offer a Free Consultation

It is important to exchange information, understand collision coverage, account for minor injuries, and ensure that every person involved is alright. Leaving the scene is a grave offense, and an experienced attorney at our law firm can help you get the compensation you require.