Seems that lately the number of hit-and-run accidents are on the rise. Indeed, nearly 11 percent of all vehicular accidents are hit-and-runs, which can involve a pedestrian vs. car or a two vehicle collision. In both scenarios however, the results are similar—someone flees the scene of the wreck.
This can be especially tragic if the motorist left at the scene was not at fault and suffered severe injury or died. The most heart wrenching of these types of cases however, are those in which a victim dies when the other driver’s assistance may have saved their lives.
But the question that so often plagues investigators and family members is this: Why do some of these individuals run in the first place?
Common reasons for fleeing a car accident scene
It is never advisable to run from a collision scene and many of the suspects who harm someone in a car accident know this, however, the impulse to flee can be great. Why? In many of these cases, the individual may be doing something illegal prior to the wreck itself. Nine times out of ten they had been drinking heavily or were driving on a suspended license. Others may have been in the commission of a criminal act, like car jacking or purchasing drugs, and do not wish to go to jail.
There is also a small minority who may not be involved in anything illegal but are afraid of the consequences of the accident, especially if they know they are at fault.
No matter the reason however, fleeing is foolhardy and above all, illegal. Those wishing to escape penalty for any illegal activity they were engaged in have only compounded their legal woes, not solved them.
Besides which, they may eventually get caught, and when they do, it won’t look good that they ran.
Do not be fooled — You will get caught
Hit and Run drivers may think that by fleeing they won’t have to face the consequences of their actions. Thing is, when someone is severely injured or dies because of a car crash, people will want answers. This means that the authorities as well as the accident victims families will not stop until the guilty party is apprehended.
Using every means at their disposal, including forensics and crime scene reconstruction, police and investigators will inevitably find you.
Families deserve closure
Besides which, families deserve some form of closure. When a persons is killed or seriously maimed in an accident loved ones will want to know what happened and why. Drivers who run leave those questions unanswered, multiplying the anguish that family members feel.
That is why personal injury and wrongful death lawyers fight hard to ensure accident victims and or their families receive justice via civil lawsuits. With a civil lawsuit the guilty party will have the pay financial reparation for the damage and pain they have caused.
Have your or a loved one suffered emotional and/or physical trauma because of a hit and run drivers callous actions? We can help.
Call our law offices today at 310.882.6810 and get the assistance you need. Our qualified personal injury and wrongful death attorneys will discuss your legal options for free and make sure that the guilty party pays for their thoughtless actions.
Call today for a free consultation and get the assistance you deserve after your life altering hit and run accident.
