A car accident is always a disorienting and unsettling experience. It can leave you confused, overwhelmed, and worried all at once. However, as bad as a car accident is, it gets even worse if the other driver decides to drive away rather than face their responsibilities. Even though a hit and run is illegal, many people still do it because they don’t want to face the consequences of their actions. That also means that a hit and run is an implicit admission of guilt since the driver would not run if they were innocent.
You might believe that you might be out of options and have to pay for any accident-related expenses yourself in the event of a hit and run. However, an attorney can help you so that you may not end up having to pay out of pocket after all. That is why you should contact a personal injury lawyer after any kind of car accident, but especially after a hit and run. If you are in such a situation, then you can go here to learn more about car accident law.
The Penalties for a Hit and Run Accident
The penalties for a hit and run accident differ from state to state, however it is always a very serious charge. Some states classify it as a misdemeanor while others see it as a more serious felony. A misdemeanor might be the less serious of the two charges but it can still result in up to $5000 in fines and up to a year in jail. If the hit and run is considered to be a felony, then the penalties are even worse. However, the worst possible outcome is if a driver leaves the scene of an accident when there is an injury to someone. It does not matter if that person is a pedestrian or another driver. The fines can range from $5000 up to $20,000 and the perpetrator can face up to 15 years in prison.
What to Do If You Are The Victim of a Hit and Run
The first thing that you need to do is note as much as you can about the vehicle and the driver that hit you and write it down somewhere if you cannot remember all of it. Try to note as many identifying characteristics of the vehicle as you can, such as the licence plate number, the color, and the make and model of the car. You should also take note of any unique identifiers like tinted windows, unique aftermarket parts, or noticeable dents. You should then call the police and relay as much of that information to them as you can. The more information that you can give them, the more likely that they will be able to find the driver.
The police can use the damage done to your car to find another vehicle with matching damage, so the more information you have the better. You should not attempt to follow the driver because not only is that dangerous, but you could also be guilty of leaving the scene of an accident, which is illegal. If there are any witnesses, then try and find out what they know and get their contact information. You should also take pictures of the damage done to your vehicle as that could be important for insurance purposes.
The next step is to contact your insurance company to start your claim. Contacting them early means that you will be able to give them the most accurate information about the accident since it will still be fresh in your mind. Finally, you should contact a personal injury attorney just in case the offending driver gets found or if your insurance company decides to give you a hard time and make your claim difficult.
Do Not Try To Deal With a Hit and Run Driver By Yourself
You might be understandably angry after a hit and run accident, but you should resist the urge to take matters into your own hands and go after the driver. Instead, you should get as much information as you can and give it to the police so that they can write their report and start an investigation. There is a good chance that they can find the driver if they have enough information, but even if they are unsuccessful, you still have options to avoid paying for the accident-related expenses yourself. If you are going to explore those options, then you will need the aid of a personal injury attorney. They will give you the best chance of getting the compensation that you need to take care of your expenses.
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