Car Accident Injuries from a Hit and Run
A study has revealed that an average of 682,000 hit and run crashes take place every year. And these crashes most times leave victims seriously injured and devastated. That is why the law of each state has made provisions to prevent cases of hit and run.
The general law requires the faulty driver to remain at the accident scene to exchange information with others. This information will help the victim to file a claim or contact the driver directly.
When the driver refuses to stay at the scene, they can be sujected to criminal prosecution. Consequently, they may have to pay a hefty fine or even serve jail time.
However, tracking down the guilty driver can prove challenging. But reaching out to an experienced hit and run attorney can increase the chances of finding the driver.
If you or any of your loved ones were involved in a hit-and-run accident, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced lawyer for help.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
Hit and run accidents can take various forms. For example, it could be a rear-end collision where the driver refuses to wait or a person hitting your vehicle in the parking lot without leaving their information.
Whichever kind of hit and run accident you have experienced, knowing the steps to take after that can significantly help. This will ensure your safety and increase the chances of tracking down the fleeing driver and getting compensation.
Here are some of the steps:
- Try remembering the details
Immediately you notice that the driver has no intentions of staying, you should try to gather as much information as you can about the vehicle. This information includes the make, model of the car, year, and importantly the plate number. The plate number provides the registration details of the car owner.
- Avoid following the vehicle
Following the vehicle is not always a good idea, even if you can go after them. This is because you may be ignoring a severe injury that needs immediate attention. Also, in the process of going after the vehicle, you could create a condition for another crash.
- Seek medical attention
No matter how minor the accident could be, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. There is a possibility that after an accident, you don't experience any symptoms immediately. This could be a result of the adrenaline and shock from the accident.
- Speaking with witnesses
During the accident, it might be difficult to gather necessary information regarding the guilty driver. That is why you need to speak to those around you. They may be able to clearly recall information about the incident. This will help you in filling the gaps in your narrative. Also, you can ask the witnesses to wait for the police to arrive so they can make an official statement.
- File a police report
You should file a police report. This will help the police to track down the faulty driver. Also, ensure that you get a copy of the police report.
- Contact an attorney
Contacting an attorney can go a long way in helping you get compensation for the negative experience you have been through.
Common Reasons Why Drivers Flee the Scene
Drivers flee the accident scene for several reasons. These commonly include:
- Not having car insurance
- Driving under the influence
- Driving an unregistered car
- The driver has no license
- The driver was in the process of carrying out a crime
- Possessing illegal items
Common Injuries from Hit and Run Car Accidents
The injuries resulting from hit-and-run car accidents could be mild or severe. Also, these injuries can happen to any part of the body.
Here are some of the injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury
This type of injury usually occurs as a result of a blow or a piercing injury to the head. This type of injury might require intensive medical car.
- Spinal cord injury/complete or partial paralysis
The impact of a crash can cause injury to the spinal cord. Such damage can result in complete or partial paralysis, which could be temporary or permanent.
- Back injury
The human body cannot handle heavy impacts resulting from accidents such as car crashes. Heavy impact on the back can lead to long-lasting pains.
- Burns
Car accidents can also result in burns for the victim. These burns happen especially when flammable fluids come in contact with the skin of a person.
- Internal injury
A victim of a car accident might not notice this type of injury early. That is why it is crucial to go for a medical check-up immediately after an accident. There, the medical practitioners will be able to detect any injury to the vital organs that can result in internal bleeding.
- Broken bones
This is one of the most common injuries from car accidents. Broken bones could be dire, requiring surgery to correct.
- Facial injuries
This injury can result from impact with glass, the steering wheel, dash, airbag, side window, or any other hard object. Facial injuries can lead to a lifelong scar or disfigurement, which might require surgery to repair.
- Loss of limb or amputation
In severe cases of car accidents, there may be a need for surgical amputation.
- Neck injuries/whiplash
Neck injury often takes place as a result of injury to the tissue in the neck. Also, whiplash is one of the ways a person can sustain a neck injury.
- Knee injury
This injury can happen when a person hits their knee with any hard part of the car. This impact can cause the cartilage in the knee to tear. Also, it can result in dislocation and bruises.
- Foot and ankle injuries
This injury can take place during a car accident. Foot and ankle injuries include strains and sprains.
- Injury to the shoulder
As a result of bracing the hands against the steering wheel or dashboard, a shoulder injury can occur.
- Wrist and hand injuries
These injuries are also prevalent in car accidents. Also, this injury can be mild or severe, depending on the seriousness of the accident.
- Lacerations, bruises, and abrasions
Broken glasses, torn metal sheets, or any hard object can result in lacerations. Also, bruises and abrasions can take place when the skin forcefully rubs against any hard object.
- Crush injuries
These injuries, such as lacerations, bruises, and broken bones, occur due to being forced into a small space.
Getting Compensation
Traditionally to get compensation, you will need to track down the faulty driver. If you are lucky, the driver may have insurance. Consequently, their liability coverage will be able to take care of the damages. But, if they are uninsured, you may need to file a lawsuit against them.
Winning the lawsuit allows you to access compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, damage to property, etc.
However, in a case where you cannot get any information on the hit and run driver, it will be difficult to get compensation from them. You may need to go through your auto insurance to cover some of the expenses incurred if you have insurance in place.
To get maximum compensation from your insurance company, you may need the assistance of an experienced hit-and-run attorney. The attorney will be able to prove beyond doubt that you were not at any fault.
Bottom Line
Hit and run cases are pretty difficult to resolve. This is because the fleeing drivers are most times difficult to locate. Without locating the faulty party, it will be difficult to file a compensation claim or a lawsuit.
But when you know the next line of action to take in the advent of a hit-and-run accident, you could make the best out of the situation. One of the most important steps is immediately reaching out to a personal injury attorney.
Together, you and the attorney will be able to go through all the legal options available.