Deadly Facts About Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run car accidents are some of the most serious and life-changing, for numerous reasons. Auto accidents of any kind can result in serious injuries, or even death, but hit-and-run accidents can have even more complicated repercussions. It is common knowledge that there are severe penalties for anyone who leaves the scene of an accident, but this doesn’t seem to stop people from doing just that. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 11 percent of all reported car accidents involve a hit-and-run. Furthermore, approximately 20 percent of all hit-and-run accidents involve pedestrians. These statistics show just how deadly and serious hit-and-run accidents are, for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

It is no secret that people make the decision to leave the scene of an accident because they are either under the influence of drugs or alcohol, know they are in the wrong and are afraid of the repercussions, or are otherwise in trouble with the law. Regardless of why someone flees after a hit-and-run accident, they are in the wrong and will eventually have to pay for this decision. Depending on the circumstances, leaving the scene of a serious accident could mean a death sentence for the victim. If the other party was injured and there is no one around, the chance of that individual succumbing to their injuries because no one called for medical help is much greater.

Today we are going to look at a handful of facts surrounding hit-and-run accidents. Some of these may come as a surprise. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident or know someone who has, do your part to ensure justice is served, as it is the right thing to do.

• Roughly 11 in every 100 car accidents are a hit-and-run
• In recent years, fatal hit-and-run car accidents have risen by 13 percent in the U.S. alone
• Approximately 60 percent of all pedestrian-related hit-and-run accidents are fatal
• Victims may still be able to receive compensation for their injuries or losses, even if the driver is never tracked down
• In some cities, the victim or a witness must be able to identify the driver involved in the hit-or-run in order for charges to be pressed
• If the accident occurs on private property, it may not be pursued by investigators
• There is a statute of limitations in place that determines the timeline in which charges can be pressed against the driver of a hit-and-run accident
• Fatal hit-and-run accidents can occur because of the following reasons:
  • Motorists are impaired or fatigued
  • Road conditions are poor
  • Motorists fail to comply with traffic laws
  • Pedestrians are unaware of their surroundings

Hit-and-run accidents are no joke, whether they involve multiple vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. These types of accidents are incredibly serious and often result in serious, life-changing injuries that can impact a victim’s overall quality of life and ability to work. To learn more about hit-and-run accidents in Dallas, please do not hesitate to contact an attorney from Rad Law Firm today. We will go over your case with you in detail, making sure you understand your rights and what the next step may be.