A hit and run accident are a situation where one car or a person gets into another car or an individual, an object and the offender fails to give his license details. Have you been a victim of the hit and run scenario where a vehicle docks next to your car and the driver disappears?
Perhaps you were driving and the car in front of you unexpectedly sped through a red light and side swept you then took off. Maybe in the night, someone deliberately scratched a car against your garden’s retaining wall and then sped away with tow blanks. All of these are hit and run accident. In a routine car accident, drivers take their particulars including phone contacts, license numbers, as well as the insurance company’s details.
However, in a hit and run, one of the drivers abandon his vehicle and drives away without permitting the other to identify himself. Well, they don’t even take a break to check if they have murdered someone in the process, do they? This can have very serious implications, and with good cause.
The Effects of Hit and Run Accident
- If a driver falls asleep and causes an accident resulting in personal injury, to simply drive away is a felony in some states, with that person facing fines of anything from $5,000 up to $20,000 and maybe time in jail.
- Hit and run is a misdemeanor in other cases, which attracts a fine of up to $5,000.
- The offending party may lose his or her driver’s license for a period ranging from six months to three years or, in the event of a severe hit and run, the license may be cancelled for life.
- Possibility of getting involved in lawsuits in cases involving medical expenses, missed salaries and destroyed property
What Are the Penalties for A Hit-And-Run?
Committing a hit-and-run is definitely an illegal act, and the punishment can be severe depending on what you hit, how much damage there was, or if a death occurred. While every state has its own laws regarding hit-and-runs, most of them do have some things in common.
- Fines and/or imprisonment
- Loss or suspension of your driver’s license
- Points on your record
Another possible outcome of a in a hit-and-run is having to purchase SR-22 insurance. This special insurance is potentially required for those who have a marked driving record. SR-22 premiums can be up to 300% more than your normal insurance for many years. Reach out to an attorney to get legal advice following your hit and run accident. Many offers free consultations so they can learn more about your case and explain how they’ll be able to help you.