One of the worst feelings in the world is walking out to your parked car and seeing your side view mirror just hanging there or noticing a giant scratch or dent on the body. Not finding a note from whoever did this egregious act can make this feeling even worse. Unfortunately, you've been the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
What Exactly Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when someone hits a vehicle, person, someone's personal property, or in some states, an animal. The person operating the vehicle that causes the damage then "runs" from the scene of the crime. They do so without contacting the local authorities or leaving a note on the damaged vehicle or property.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents can cause more than just damage. The NHTSA released its crash data from 2020, and the results are startling.
2,564 drivers died from a hit-and-run vehicular accident in 2020, up 26% from 2019.
1,582 pedestrians died due to a hit-and-run driver in 2020.
202 cyclists died from injuries from hit-and-run drivers in 2020.
What Should You Do if You're the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?
Whether you received an injury or property damage from a hit-and-run driver, you need to know what to do. Follow these steps:
Start by immediately seeking medical attention by calling 9-1-1 if injured.
Otherwise, call the police ASAP. They can arrive at the scene and document everything and then start a search for the driver who caused the damage.
If you see any witnesses around, try and get their names and phone numbers to help with your police report.
You should also call your insurance agent to let them know if you had any property damaged.
What Should You Do if You Hit Someone's Vehicle or Property?
Accidents happen! Whether you scrape a parked car or run into someone's mailbox, just follow the proper procedures to avoid getting involved in serious legal issues.
Safely pull over as soon as you can.
Assess the damage to your vehicle and whatever you hit.
Take photos of any damage in case you need it for the police or insurance.
Write down where the accident occurred, the damage sustained, and if you hit a car, the license plate, make, and model.
See if you can find the owner. If you are at a store or other public place, the owner may be nearby.
If you can't find the owner, leave a note behind with your name, phone number, email address, and license plate number.
File an accident report with the local authorities and your insurance agent. This will also help minimize any legal issues.
What Should You Do if You Hit a Person or Animal?
Hitting a person is much more serious than hitting a piece of property. It is your legal responsibility to help any person you have injured. Here are the steps to take:
The first thing you should do is call 9-1-1 even if the person claims that they are fine. A medical professional needs to evaluate them.
The police will likely arrive on the scene as well and will file a report.
Once the person is safe and stable, exchange your information with them as you normally would.
If you flee the scene of an injury and the person dies, you could be charged with a serious offense like vehicular manslaughter.
If you accidentally hit an animal, you have some different responsibilities depending on the type of animal and the state. If it's just a small animal or bird, you usually don't have to do anything. If you hit a larger animal like a deer, safely pull over and assess any damage that may have occurred. Take photos of everything and call the local authorities so they can have the animal safely removed from the road. Never approach a wounded animal because it could attack you.
If you hit someone's pet or livestock, then you also need to try and find the owner, who likely lives close to the scene of the accident. If you fail to report these accidents, you could end up with charges like animal cruelty or fleeing the scene of an accident.
What are the Penalties for a Hit-and-Run?
Committing a hit-and-run is definitely an illegal act, and the punishment can be severe depending on what you hit, how much damage there was, or if a death occurred. While every state has its own laws regarding hit-and-runs, most of them do have some things in common.
Fines and/or imprisonment
Loss or suspension of your driver's license
Points on your record
Another possible outcome of a in a hit-and-run is having to purchase SR-22 insurance. This special insurance is potentially required for those who have a marked driving record. SR-22 premiums can be up to 300% more than your normal insurance for many years.
Never Flee the Scene of an Accident
If you are ever involved in an accident, stay at the scene until everything is properly resolved for the best possible outcome. If you do need to take a defensive driving course because of an accident or just want to learn how to stay safe on the road, check out IDriveSafely.com. IDriveSafely provides 100% online courses so you can become a safer driver on your own terms.
Updated 8/3/22
