How can a personal injury attorney help in a hit and run?
If you are involved in a car accident that results in damage or injury, do not leave the scene. Fleeing the scene is known as a hit and run offense and may be deemed either a misdemeanor or a felony. Hit and run accidents are very serious – seeking a personal injury attorney who specializes in these accidents can provide you the best legal representation.
In most states, if you leave an accident scene that involves injury or death, the consequences could include a very lengthy imprisonment and a substantial fine. If you damage a vehicle that does not result in injury to its occupants, this is usually considered a Class C misdemeanor, as long as the property damage is very low, less than $200. This level of damage can still incur a fine. Additional damage results in a greater fine and possibly additional jail time.
Why do some people hit and run?
Each person has their own reasons for fleeing the scene of an accident but it generally comes down to self-preservation over personal responsibility. In many cases, people flee because they are driving without a license, they are illegal immigrants, there is an active search warrant for their arrest, or they are intoxicated. Their hope is that by fleeing they can avoid legal consequences or deportation but the reality is that they usually end up in even more legal trouble.
According to the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety, 21 percent of all fatal crashes that occurred between 1993 and 1999 involved drivers who lacked a valid driver’s license. It is impossible to know exactly how many drivers are unlicensed but it is estimated to be in the millions. Unlicensed drivers are found to be 66.36 times more likely to be a hit-and-run driver than a licensed driver.
A report by FARS indicated that the seven states with the highest hit and run fatalities directly corresponded to the states with the largest populations of illegal immigrants.
How can a personal injury attorney help in a hit and run?
No matter the circumstances, it is never wise to flee the scene of an accident. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, it is vital to seek legal representation by a lawyer who can explain your options and who will fight in your best interest. Authorities will often rely on eyewitness accounts and physical evidence collected from the accident scene to make their case against you. A good attorney can use those things to benefit your case.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!