Car Accident Lawyer
It is unfortunate but accidents are bound to happen. We take precautions to avoid motor vehicle accidents such as driving the speed limit, staying off our phones, and being alert to the traffic around us. But sometimes no matter how careful we are, others on the road may not be as prudent.
What is a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run is when a driver involved in a vehicle accident intentionally leaves the crash scene without notifying the authorities, fails to provide aid to those injured, and fails to identify themself to the other drivers involved in an accident. According to some state laws, a driver that is responsible for an accident must stop and provide insurance information and contact information to the other drivers involved, and must also provide aid and call emergency services when required.
What Information does the Driver need to provide?
According to a car accident lawyer with our friends at the Brandy Austin Law Firm, some state laws requires drivers to provide the following information to drivers involved in an accident:
1.) Drivers name
2.) Drivers address
3.) Vehicle registration number
4.) Insurance information
5.) Drivers license
Exiting the scene before providing this information is punishable by law, even if there is no one injured.
Hit and Run Laws
In some states leaving the scene of an accident that caused serious bodily injury to another driver is a second-degree felony. Causing death in an accident and leaving the scene is a third-degree felony; the punishment for this crime can result in 2-10 years in state prison. Non-severe injuries may result in a felony that can result in serving up to 1 year in county jail or 5 years in state prison. If the driver is in a hit-and-run where the other vehicle is unoccupied, this is classed as a class C misdemeanor. Punishments for the driver responsible for a hit-and-run depend on the circumstances of the accident.
What to do After a Hit-and-Run
If you are a victim of a Hit-and-Run there are a couple of things that you should do:
1.) Make sure everyone is safe. Firstly move your vehicle (if you are able to) out of harm’s way. Also, check on others involved and see if anyone has suffered major or even minor injuries.
2.) Call the Authorities. Secondly, you need to contact law enforcement and emergency services if needed. Not only will filing a report with the police be beneficial for insurance reasons but it also increases the chances of finding the driver responsible significantly.
3.) Write Down Any Information You May Have on the Responsible Driver. After notifying the authorities, write down any information you may have on the driver. Possibly a description of the car, or even the driver.
4.) Document. The police will make a report and begin an investigation into the matter but it is also important for you to take photos of the scene for extra precaution.
5.) Call Your Insurance Provider. If you have insurance, call them and inform them about the accident, and they will let you know what to do to proceed with your claim.
Accidents are bound to happen, it is better to be informed about what to do if you ever are involved in a hit-and-run so that you may be prepared for an unfortunate event. If you are involved in an accident, contact a lawyer near you for help immediately.