What Is A Hit and Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is an incident in which one or more parties flee the scene of a motor vehicle accident without providing information or rendering aid. This can be a serious offense, particularly if someone is injured. Some common injuries resulting from hit and run accidents are:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations requiring stitches or staples
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
In extreme cases, a hit-and-run accident could result in death, particularly if the accident was severe. Fortunately, there are laws that exist to punish drivers who leave the scene of an accident, as well as civil remedies available to their victims.
The most common hit-and-run accidents are the result of fender benders, in which one or more drivers leave before exchanging insurance information. Insurance estimates reveal that less than half of all people leave their name and contact information after an accident. This can cost car owners hundreds to thousands of dollars for repairs, and can cause long-term difficulties for car owners who are involved in a hit and run accident. Other common hit-and-run accidents include:
- Pedestrian hit by a car
- Bicyclist hit by a car
- Driver hits a parked car
- Driver hits a tree
- Driver hits a building
The driver who initially strikes another vehicle or person in a hit-and-run situation is responsible. If that driver flees before police arrive, then both they and their insurance company can be held liable for damages, particularly if it’s later determined that the fleeing driver was at fault.
In Bucks County, leaving the scene without reporting an accident is a third-degree felony punishable by a mandatory minimum 90-day jail sentence and up to 7 years in prison, along with a minimum $1,000 fine. The penalties for hit-and-run accidents vary depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of the damage to property.
How Can A Bucks County Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Help You?
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run incident in Bucks County, it is important that you speak to an experienced Bucks County hit-and-run accident lawyer as soon as possible. It may be that someone else’s negligence has caused you to suffer injuries that require extensive treatments, which can be very costly.
A lawyer for hit-and-run accidents can help you to file a civil suit against the party responsible for your injuries. This will help you to recover damages that can help to cover the cost of your treatments and lost wages. In some cases, a hit-and-run accident attorney may be able to help you receive compensation for pain and suffering.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you are likely looking for an Injury Attorney in Bucks County. A competent attorney can answer your questions, as well as discuss the various options that are open to you.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a hit and run accident in Bucks County, please contact our firm for advice regarding a possible claim. The sooner you have strong legal representation, the better chance you will have at receiving adequate compensation for your injuries.