The Consequences of Hit and Run Accidents
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. If you suffer any injuries or property damage, you have to deal with getting medical attention for yourself and repairs to your vehicle. Depending on the nature of your injuries you could be out of commission for a while, you could lose time at work and have to deal with the insurance company about repairing or replacing your car.
Drivers owe a duty to give information and render aid at the scene of an accident. Anyone who is involved in a motor vehicle accident must give their name, vehicle and insurance information, and make arrangements for getting medical attention for the injured person. But when the person who caused the accident flees the scene, it can be devastating.
If you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle accident, you are required to remain on the scene and contact the police if there has been any bodily injury or property damage. You are also required to leave identifying information with the police and with the injured person. Leaving the scene of an accident in Washington, D.C. is called, “Leaving after colliding,” and carries the penalty on first conviction of a $1,000 fine and not more than 180 days incarceration.
In West Virginia, leaving the scene of an accident that involves death or personal injuries (also called “Erin’s Law”) is a crime that can result in a felony conviction, a $5,000 fine and not less than one year and not more than five years imprisonment if a person died in the accident. If there was bodily injury, the fine is $1,000 and not more than one year in prison.
What about the victims?
When the driver who caused the accident, or at least significantly contributed to the accident, flees the scene without leaving any contact or insurance information, the victim or victims are left with no recourse for filing a claim. If the victim of a hit-and-run accident has purchased uninsured motorist coverage on their auto insurance policy, they can use that option when the perpetrator is unknown or uninsured; however, this coverage is rarely adequate to cover all of the expenses and provide compensation for the injuries they suffered in the accident.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident where the party at fault fled the scene, you can speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who will advise you on how to proceed. An attorney can investigate the accident, do everything possible to help you recover from your loss, and if possible hold the negligent party responsible for their actions.
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you are welcome to contact Paulson & Nace, PLLC. We proudly serve personal injury victims in and around Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
Christopher T. Nace works in all practice areas of the firm, including medical malpractice, birth injury, drug and product liability, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and other negligence and personal injury matters.
Read more about Christopher T. Nace.