Hit-and-run accidents on the rise
A study by USA Today shows that the number of hit-and-run car accidents has jumped 20% since 2000 and is now at its highest level in more than a decade.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a felony offense and results in hundreds of deaths each year. Despite this fact, some motorists still flee the scene in an attempt to avoid a confrontation with police sent to investigate the crash.
In 2003 alone, 1,557 people were killed nationwide in hit-and-run accidents. In many cases, the offending driver is never caught and brought to justice.
Even if the hit-and-run driver is never found, those injured in the crash can still get help from their own insurance company. Typically, the liability insurance of the at-fault driver pays for injuries sustained in an accident. In hit-and-run accidents, the at-fault driver is obviously not present so the injured party must make a claim on his own coverage plan. All insurance companies are required to include uninsured motorist coverage in all their plans that will cover expenses if you are involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver.
This coverage applies even if you are a pedestrian hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. Over 900 pedestrians are killed by hit-and-run drivers each year.
Filing these claims can be very complicated so it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
If you ever happen to witness a driver leaving the scene of an accident, please don’t stay silent. Call 911 and give a vehicle description so that the driver might be brought to justice.
