Hit and run accidents occur more than you think. Many people don’t really know all the facts and information about this type of accident. This is really important to make sure that you are aware of all this information because you don’t know when you might be a victim to a hit and run accident, or when you are the guilty party of a hit and run.
What is a hit and run accident?
It is essential to know what a hit and run car accident is. This is where someone caused an accident and they are driving away without stopping and giving personal information. This normally happens with pedestrians that are getting run over, children on bikes that are getting hit or even car to car accidents.
The moment that you cause an accident and you are driving away, you are guilty of a hit and run accident. It doesn’t matter how small or light the accident might be.
When are you going to be in serious trouble with a hit and run?
Anyone that is driving from the accident scene without the permission of the police may be guilty of a hit and run accident. But, if you are giving your personal details to the other driver before leaving, you may be fine.
With any hit and run accident, you are going to be in serious trouble. Especially, when you hit a child or a pedestrian and drive away without stopping. If your accident caused someone to die or serious injury and you drove away, you are in serious trouble. If you caused a death because of a hit and run you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Why would people leave the scene of a car accident
People leave the scene of car accidents for various reasons, some are listed here
- Drunk Driving
- Warrants out for there arrest
- Drugs
- Firearms Illegally in vehicle
- They have previous convictions ( dont want to deal with the police because of previous bad experience )
- Scared
The number 1 is drunk driving. They run because if the stop and get caught drinking and driving, the repercussions are immense. They could lose their job, do jail time, lose there driver license. There is no excuse to run from a car accident.
Are there any circumstances where it is okay to drive away when you cause an accident?
Many people are asking if this is okay when you are driving away from the accident scene when you were the guilty party. In most cases, the answer will be no. There isn’t any reason why it is okay for you to drive away after an accident. The only reason that will not let you face jail time is if you have someone seriously injured in your vehicle.
However, then you need to make sure that you are going to call the police and tell them that you did take your passenger to the ER and that they can interview you there. Then, it isn’t really a hit and run car accident.
hit and run accident statistics
For every 100 car accidents, about 11 car accidents were because of hit and run accident. You need to be able to get the license plate of the car that causes the accident. This means that 11% of all accidents are hit and run accidents.
If you can’t identify the car that is responsible for the accident, then you need to make sure that you remember the color, the number plate or anything else that might assist the police in finding the person for the hit and run.
Most people that are responsible for the hit and run are just scared about what is going to happen to them. However, there are many of these people that were drunk, that didn’t notice that they have hit someone or they just don’t care. It can be scary to see how many people just don’t care about the hit and run and if there were any injuries or fatalities involved.
What you should do when you are a victim of a hit and run
There are a couple of things that you should do when you are a victim of a hit and run. The first thing that you should do is to get the license plate and to write it down. The shock might make you forget the number. To get a good look at the driver can also assist you in finding the person responsible.
If you are able to do it, you should make sure that you are calling the police right away. The sooner they are on the scene, the easier it is going to be for them to catch the hit and runner. Giving as much information as possible to the police is essential.
You should also remember that most hit and run accidents, the guilty party will never get caught. This is because of the lack of evidence to find the person guilty.
Hit and run accidents are really something that can be scary. Especially, if this happens to you or to someone you love. There are so many things that you should remember when you are the victim of a hit and run accident. And, because of shock, you might not remember half of it.
With all this information mentioned, it will make it easier to understand exactly what a hit and run are and how you should handle it when you are the victim of a hit and run accident. And, remember to go see an accident doctor as soon as possible. Even if you are not seriously injured.
Wow, I had no idea that about 11% of all car crashes are hit and run accidents. My parents were talking to my brother about different kinds of accidents and how to behave with each one since he is getting his license soon. It is important to remember that you should seek legal advice if you are involved in a vehicular accident because a lawyer might help you see things in a clearer light.