Trauma of Hit and Run Accidents | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

One of the most traumatic types of accidents that victims and their loved ones deal with is a hit and run. Family and friends are left wondering why a driver never stopped to help an injured victim. What kind of person or what circumstances would make drivers responsible for a horrific crash flee from the scene?

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Last year, there were almost 6,000 pedestrians killed in this country and almost 100,000 injured.  And those numbers increase each year. Studies show that hit and run accidents are the second leading cause of pedestrian deaths in this country.

In some metropolitan cities, like New York and Los Angeles, hit and run accidents are considered an epidemic. Law enforcement has implemented tools such as video surveillance cameras, which does help in apprehending the hit and run drivers.

Most hit and run accidents happen during the night and most often on the weekends. Many of these crashes are alcohol-related. This seems to be one of the most common reasons why a driver flees the scene because they don’t want law enforcement to know they were drinking. Other common reasons why drivers flee is that they were driving on a suspended license, registration, or without insurance. 

The good news is that in the majority of cases, hit and run drivers are caught, either through investigation or they turn themselves in. Witnesses to the crash can provide good descriptions and/or license plate numbers for police to follow up on. It is also not uncommon for an auto mechanic or body shop to contact police because the guilty driver goes to their business in an attempt to get auto body repair done to the vehicle to hide the damage of the crash.

If You Are a Victim of a Hit and Run Accident

The best advice for pedestrians is to be aware of your surroundings and be more alert. Never assume a driver can see you just because you can see them.

If you have been a hit and run accident victim, working with a compassionate Virginia accident attorney is crucial. If the driver is caught, your attorney can take the necessary steps to obtain financial compensation for your injuries. If the driver is not caught, your attorney may discuss other legal options you may have.

Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, protracted, and stressful. Contact a Virginia hit and run accident attorney from Shapiro & Appleton today for a free case evaluation.