Hit and run accidents can have devastating consequences and they’re very likely to be fatal. Recent research shows between 2012 and 2021 in California, the state came in first across the country with more than 10% of deadly crashes involving hit and runs. Over the past 10 years, fatal hit and run accidents have increased by 89%.
Fatal hit and run accidents are most likely to involve a pedestrian and occur most frequently at night. A driver who panics at the scene and flees could lead to life and death consequences for anyone who has been struck by a car. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident when someone has been critically hurt or killed.
Factors such as distracted driving and speeding have become more prominent in recent years, which have also contributed to the number of hit and run and fatal hit and run accidents as well.
Rising auto insurance rates and the concerns about vehicle repair costs may also make people who have skipped these important car insurance coverages to flee the scene of the accident, concerned about repercussions.
Regardless of the reasons, it’s wrong to leave the scene of an accident in which someone gets seriously hurt. If this happened to you, filing a claim with your car insurance may be the only way to get fair compensation for your injuries. However, it can be challenging to get the funds you need and deserve under your policy without the help of a lawyer.
Identifying a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you to pursue all possible compensation for recovery is important. There may be an added component of attempting to identify an at fault driver from a hit and run scene too, making it extremely important to hire the right lawyer to assist you.