According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, hit-and-run accidents are on the rise in the United States. In fact, hit-and-run accidents have increased by 7.2% from 2009 to 2016. In 2016 alone, there were 2,049 hit-and-run fatalities nationwide.
What Are the Causes of Hit and Run Accidents?
There are many causes of hit-and-run accidents, but some are more common than others. Here are four of the most common causes of hit-and-run accidents:
- Alcohol:
Drivers under the influence of alcohol are more likely to flee the scene of an accident because they may be afraid of being arrested for DUI.
- Drugs:
Like alcohol, drugs can also impair a driver’s ability to make good decisions. Drivers under the influence of drugs may be more likely to flee the scene of an accident because they don’t want to get in trouble with the law.
- No Insurance:
If a driver doesn’t have and they cause an accident, they may be afraid to pay for the damages out of their pocket.
- Suspended License:
If a driver is caught driving with a suspended license, they may face severe penalties, so they may try to avoid getting caught by fleeing the scene of an accident.
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Hit and Run Accident?
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, there are a few things you should do:
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Remain Calm:
A hit-and-run accident can be very stressful and upsetting. Keeping a level head is essential.
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Check for Any Injuries:
If you or anyone involved in the accident has been injured, call 911 immediately.
- Assess the Damage to Your Vehicle:
If the damage is minor, you may be able to drive your car away from the scene. However, if the damage is more serious, it is best to call a tow truck have your vehicle towed to a nearby repair shop.
- Call the Police:
Even if the damage to your car is minor, it is important to file a police report. This will document the accident and could be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.
- Try and Gather Information About the Driver:
If you have a description of the car or the license plate, this can help track down the other driver. Perhaps a nearby business or home had cameras pointed toward the scene of the accident. However, even if you don’t have this information, the police may still be able to help. DO NOT CHASE AFTER THE DRIVER.
- Contact Your Insurance Company:
Your insurance company will likely need a copy of the police report and will also be able to help you with any repairs that need to be made to your car.
Conclusion
It is essential to be aware of the possible causes of hit-and-run accidents and what to do if you are involved in one. While hit-and-run accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, oftentimes, they are caused by drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or who are fleeing the scene of a crime because of a lack of insurance or a suspended license.
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it important to report the incident to the police and get as much information about the other driver as possible.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it is important to have a trustworthy accident lawyer. Our staff at Dream Team Law has the experience and knowledge to help you get the compensation you deserve. We will work tirelessly to bring you the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today at 855-255-TEAM
for a free consultation
