Have You Been the Victim of a Hit and Run Accident?
When we get in our car to go to work or drive the kids to school each day, we trust that our vehicle will work properly and that other drivers will follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, sometimes car accidents happen and sometimes the other driver may flee the scene. When this happens, it can make matters that much harder for the injured party. If you or someone you care about has been the victim of a hit and run accident, then you should speak to a hit and run accident lawyer at The Higgins Firm. We will listen to your case and help you get any compensation you need for what you have been through.
Criminal Charges for a Hit and Run
In Tennessee, any one who is involved in a car accident that results in damage to personal property or injuries to another person must legally stop and wait for police to arrive or exchange information with the other parties involved. Failure to stop is a criminal offense. The fleeing driver could be prosecuted and face jail or prison time, fines, and a suspended license. If you were injured by a hit and run driver, criminal charges typically won’t affect your ability to recover damages. That said, these cases can be difficult. You should have a Nashville hit and run attorney on your side.
Are Hit and Runs Common?
According to the NHTSA, hit and run accidents are on the rise in the United States. In the U.S., there are at least 1,500 deaths each year in a hit and run. Alcohol is often a factor, and many fatalities are pedestrians. If you were injured in a hit and run or lost a loved one in a hit and run accident, call The Higgins Firm.
Why do Drivers Leave the Scene of an Accident?
There are a number of reasons drivers leave the scene of an accident including:
If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury due to a hit-and-run accident, the experience can be stressful and frustrating. A hit-and-run accident poses unique challenges especially if the driver who is responsible has not been identified. The experienced and compassionate Ohio personal injury lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick are here to help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you deserve.
What Does a Hit and Run Mean?
In most states, a hit and run accident means that one of the drivers didn’t stick around to exchange information, call the police or offer their ad to the other people involved in the accident. This is a serious crime especially since according to the law, all drivers are supposed to stop right away after an accident occurs or return to the scene if the accident resulted in injury, death or the other car was damaged in any way. All drivers also have a responsibility to exchange information and to get help for the other person if they have been severely injured.
Why do Hit and Runs Occur?
Sometimes drivers who flee from the scene of an accident because are driving without insurance or a valid driver’s license. Sometimes it is because they are already in trouble with the law or maybe because they have been drinking. Other times, they may just get scared of getting in trouble and simply panic. Whatever the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is serious and the person can even be charged with a felony if a serious injury takes place or if someone dies after the accident.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Involved in a Hit and Run?
If you have been the victim of a hit and run accident, the first thing you should do is get medical help for any injuries you may have. The police should be called so an official report can be made and all the information gets documented. The police will then do all they can to identify and track down the person that fled the scene. Depending on your injuries and their cooperation, they may face fines, loss of or a suspended driver’s license, lose their insurance coverage, be put on probation or even go to jail. Also, be sure to report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as possible.
How Can a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Help Me?
When these types of accidents occur, it can be confusing to know what to do next or who to turn to for help. An experienced and compassionate Nashville car accident lawyer with The Higgins Firm will listen to your claim and answer any questions you may have. We understand how difficult this is for you and we will do all we can to make the process as easy as possible. We will work with you to gather any evidence such as medical reports, police reports, photos, or witnesses that may be needed for your case. Then we will fight on your behalf to make sure you get all the compensation you are entitled to for what you have suffered. We will also make sure the driver that fled the scene is held accountable and that they pay for their actions.
Please contact us today online or by calling 800.705.2121 to discuss your legal options.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.
