A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to offer information or assist the injured. This type of accident may leave victims frustrated, since it may be difficult to identify the party involved and hold them accountable.
There are various complications that one might go through after a hit-and-run accident. In this article, we will discuss these complications.
The common problems faced by those involved in a hit-and-run are:
- Difficulty in identifying the Perpetrator
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Issues
- Legal Implications for the Perpetrator
- Emotional and Psychological Impact
- Time-Sensitive Evidence Collection
Difficulty Identifying the Perpetrator
The biggest probably one of the hardest tasks that ever has to be done in hit-and-run cases is identifying drivers who were involved in the accident.
For the most part, it seems that fleeing drivers never leave their details behind, making it hard for law enforcement officers to track them down. The investigation has the likelihood of dragging if there is no license plate number or if witnesses are not available.
- Lack of witness: At times there may be no people around to be able to provide accounts of the car or the driver if involved. This significantly hinders the effort that law enforcement has to identify the culprits.
- Limited Evidence: They also point to a lack of adequate evidence that can implicate the offenders in such mishaps as a drawback. Tire marks may not be enough to connect the evidence and lead back to the culprits, which often leaves the crime scene with such items as paint chips or debris. Camera surveillance where there is a problem of clarity of the incident most of the time.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Issues
Most victims involved in a hit-and-run often rely on their insurance for compensation, particularly if the driver at fault cannot be identified. Usually, this claim is filed under uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. However, not every driver has this type of coverage, and for those who do, it may not be sufficient to cover all the damages, especially if the injuries are severe.
- Insurance Policy Limits: Drivers with policy limits might hinder them from accessing full insurance coverage.
- Delayed Claims Process: Insurance firms may delay claims of hit-and-run cases, primarily due to the problem of finding the driver’s identity, leaving victims with no immediate support.
Legal Ramifications for the Perpetrator
Most jurisdictions consider hit-and-run accidents as criminal offenses, and the penalties can be severe, ranging from license suspension to jail time if the drivers are apprehended. The severity of these punishments, however, depends on the specific circumstances of the case, i.e.:
- Misdemeanor or Felony Charges: The drivers might face misdemeanor charges if the accident results in minor damage to property, whereas if the accident involves injuries or fatalities, then they might be charged with felony.
- Civil Liability: Aside from criminal penalties, drivers may be held liable in civil court for the damages caused, including compensation for medical expenses, pain, lost wages, etc.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Most of the time, hit-and-run accidents tend to cause emotional as well as psychological effects to their victims. This is normally because these types of accidents happen so suddenly that victims are left with feelings of frustration, anger, and helplessness. They may experience the following conditions as a result.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD is common in hit-and-run accidents. Victims may experience flashbacks of the accident and may have trouble with certain elements that trigger memories of the accident.
- Anxiety: Victims may end up suffering emotional conditions in the anxiety that the perpetrator will be found. This may take a long time to heal.
Time-Sensitive Evidence Collection
Time is of the essence when dealing with hit-and-run cases, especially in evidence gathering. Some important pieces of information, like witness statements, camera footage, or physical evidence found in the scene, often degrade quickly or become inaccessible if not immediately collected.
Conclusion
Hit-and-run accidents possess a range of complications for victims, which can range from identification of these drivers to psychological and physical distress. However, such victims are advised to seek legal advice to understand their rights and options for recovering the compensation they deserve.
