How to Find a Driver of a Hit-and-Run Accident

When you are hit by a car, you expect the other driver, mainly if they are the person responsible for the accident, to stop and provide information to ensure that the police and insurance companies can deal with the issue effectively. However, a driver may leave the scene of a crash, leaving a victim to deal with the aftermath alone, often without information about the person responsible for the crash. In such cases, finding the hit-and-run driver becomes a priority for the victim and law enforcement to ensure that the person responsible pays for the damage and injury to property and persons involved.

What Happens if the Other Driver Leaves the Scene?

When a driver leaves the scene of an auto accident, they violate the law and their duty of care towards the injured person. Fleeing the scene can leave accident victims in dangerous situations, especially if they have sustained severe injuries and require immediate medical care. The absence of the other driver also complicates the process of filing an insurance claim, as there is no at-fault driver to hold accountable for the extent of the damage. Accident victims may face difficulties in securing fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, and loss of income without the other responsible party. In these cases, personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage can provide some financial relief, but it may not cover all the costs incurred.

Law enforcement and police officers are usually the first responders to a hit-and-run accident. They collect physical evidence from the scene, take statements from potential witnesses, and gather surveillance camera footage that might have captured the incident. Police reports and accident investigations are vital in tracking down the person responsible. However, the success of finding the liable party largely depends on the availability of compelling evidence.

Criminal and Civil Liability for Hit and Run Cases

In hit-and-run cases, the driver who flees the scene can face both criminal and civil charges. This can include criminal charges, as the penalties for fleeing the scene can include hefty fines, imprisonment, and additional charges for related offenses, such as driving under the influence or reckless driving.

From a civil perspective, the injured person has the right to pursue legal action against the hit-and-run driver through personal injury lawsuits.

It’s important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim varies by state, so accident victims should act promptly to protect their rights. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on the legal options available to you.

Penalties for Fleeing the Scene of an Accident

The penalties for fleeing the scene of an auto accident are severe and serve as a deterrent to prevent drivers from evading responsibility. In many states, fleeing the scene of an accident that resulted in property damage alone may be classified as a misdemeanor, carrying penalties such as fines, community service, and a possible suspension of the driver’s license. However, if the accident involved bodily injury or death, the charge is often elevated to a felony, with much harsher consequences. As such, the criminal charges can span from a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the accident and if there are bodily injuries or death.

Felony charges for hit-and-run accidents can lead to long-term imprisonment, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. Additionally, the driver may face an increase in their auto insurance policy premiums or even cancellation of their insurance coverage.

In Civil cases, if the driver is found, they can be held liable for compensatory damages, including medical treatment, property damage, property repair, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the driver for their egregious behavior.

Why Do Drivers Flee the Accident Scene?

Drivers flee the scene of an accident for various reasons, often rooted in fear, panic, or a desire to avoid legal or financial repercussions. Some common reasons include:

• Fear of Criminal Charges: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, have a suspended license, or have outstanding warrants may flee the scene to avoid being arrested and facing additional charges.
• Lack of Insurance: Drivers without valid insurance coverage may leave the scene to avoid being held financially responsible for the accident.
• Panic: Some drivers may flee out of sheer panic, especially if they are inexperienced or fear the potential consequences of the accident.
• Desire to Avoid Financial Liability: The fear of having to pay for medical bills, property damage, and compensatory damages can drive some individuals to flee the scene in the hope of avoiding financial responsibility.
• Previous Criminal Record: Drivers with a history of criminal activity may flee to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement and risking further legal action.

Understanding the reasons behind a driver’s decision to flee can help law enforcement tailor their investigation strategies to apprehend the responsible party.

What Evidence Do Police Use to Locate a Hit-and-Run Driver?

Locating a hit-and-run driver can be challenging, but law enforcement uses various methods to identify and apprehend the person responsible. Key pieces of evidence include:

• Surveillance Camera Footage: Police officers often review footage from nearby surveillance cameras to identify the vehicle involved in the accident. This footage can capture the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number, which are details for tracking down the driver.
• Witness Testimony: Statements from potential witnesses who saw the accident or the fleeing vehicle can provide valuable information. Witnesses may have observed the driver’s behavior, the direction they fled, or other identifying details.
• Physical Evidence: Physical evidence at the scene, such as paint chips, broken vehicle parts, or tire marks, can help law enforcement match the evidence to the liable party.
• License Plate Recognition Systems: In some areas, police may use license plate recognition systems to scan and identify vehicles that match the description of the hit-and-run vehicle.
• Official Records: Police may cross-reference official records, such as recent auto repair requests, insurance claims, or vehicle registrations, to locate the driver.
• Social Media: In some cases, drivers may inadvertently reveal information about the accident on social media platforms, which police can use to track them down.

Combining these investigative techniques increases the chances of locating the faulty driver.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Finding the hit-and-run driver is not always possible, so uninsured motorist coverage can provide financial protection. This type of insurance policy covers damages caused by uninsured drivers who flee the scene and cannot be identified. Uninsured motorist coverage can help cover medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages, ensuring that the victim receives fair compensation even if the at-fault driver is never found.

Not all auto insurance policies automatically include uninsured motorist coverage, so drivers should check with their insurance provider to ensure they have adequate coverage. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, filing an insurance claim under your uninsured motorist coverage can help you recover some of the costs associated with the accident. However, dealing with insurance adjusters and the claims process can be challenging, so it’s advisable to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

What to Do After the Other Driver Leaves the Accident Scene

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, taking immediate steps to protect yourself and gather evidence to help law enforcement locate the person responsible is essential. Here are some key actions to take:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be the top priority. Seek medical treatment for any physical injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could have long-term consequences.
• Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details you remember about the accident and the fleeing vehicle. An official accident report is essential for any potential legal action or insurance claims.
• Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries at the scene accident scene for surveillance cameras in the area that may have captured the accident and ask witnesses for their contact information and statements.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the hit-and-run accident to your insurance company and provide them with the necessary information to process your claim. Be honest and thorough in your report to avoid any complications with your coverage.
• Consult with an Attorney: The legal and insurance processes after a hit-and-run accident can be complex. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate the extent of damage, and pursue the best course of action for fair compensation.

Contact Us Now for Help with a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim

A car crash can be a life-changing and stressful experience. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured by an at-fault driver in a hit-and-run, you deserve justice. Don’t go through the justice system alone; talk to a qualified car accident attorney at Regan Zambri Long law firm. At Regan Zambri Long, we understand your fears and will do everything we can to answer your questions and keep you informed at every step. For 30 years, the car accident and personal injury lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have been helping injury victims with their claims in DC, Maryland and Virginia. We are here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.