A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes an accident that results in property damage, injury, or death, and then leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information, check on victims, or report the incident to police as required by law. The fleeing driver essentially abandons their legal and moral responsibility to stay at the accident scene and provide assistance to anyone who may be hurt. This illegal behavior makes an already traumatic situation much worse for the victims, who are left dealing with injuries and damages while the responsible party escapes.
Hit-and-run accidents create unique challenges in personal injury cases because the at-fault driver cannot be immediately identified or held accountable for the damages they caused. Victims may need to rely on their own insurance coverage, such as uninsured motorist protection, to pay for medical bills and vehicle repairs while police investigate to find the fleeing driver. If the hit-and-run driver is eventually caught, they face both criminal charges for leaving the scene and civil liability for the injuries and damages they caused, often resulting in higher penalties due to their attempt to avoid responsibility.
