Hit and run accidents can be nightmarish for pedestrians, bike riders or other drivers. A hit and run is an accident in which one of the parties involved in the crash doesn’t stop to exchange information with the other involved parties. Regardless of who is at fault, all involved drivers are required by law to stop.
Hit and runs aren’t civil matters – they’re criminal in nature even if there’s an accompanying tort or insurance claim.
Law enforcement should take an active interest in determining who caused your crash, but their interest doesn’t necessarily mean they have the resources to be successful. You may be able to provide valuable information to help them track down the other driver or you can work with a personal injury attorney who may be able to help you investigate the situation and your options.
Some of the ways in which hit and run drivers are located include:
Witnesses: People who saw the accident may be able to provide important information that can help victims and law enforcement identify the person who fled the scene. Details like vehicle make, model and color, the plate number and a description of the driver can help. Even seemingly small details may be able to help narrow down the list of suspects.
Security camera or surveillance footage: Nearby traffic cameras, security cameras in or on business properties or home security cameras may have captured video or photos of the crash or caught a glimpse of the vehicle as it was fleeing. In some ways, determining who the driver was is easier than finding video that proves liability. Homes or businesses further down the street or elsewhere in the neighborhood may have captured glimpses of the vehicle for the purposes of identification.
Accident reconstruction: Different makes and models of vehicles may have defining characteristics that are left behind at the crash scene. Maybe the car lost a side mirror that can be used to identify its make and model and narrow the search, or some paint may have transferred to your vehicle. Law enforcement should carefully analyze the scene and damage to look for relevant clues.
Social media and public appeals: People in or around your neighborhood may have information about who the driver was or may have witnessed the accident. Making appeals via local media or social media platforms (especially those with a local focus like Nextdoor) may help you identify the driver.
Public records: All vehicles in Georgia are required to be registered, which means it’s possible to get a list of people with a certain make or model of vehicle. This can be incredibly valuable for narrowing the search for the driver. Law enforcement should be taking these steps, but your own legal team can do so as well.
There are reasons other than liability that might cause a person to flee the scene of an accident. Some people just get spooked, or maybe they were drinking or had previous accidents on their record and were afraid of the consequences. While it’s more likely the person who fled the scene was at fault, it’s not unheard of that the driver wasn’t primarily or fully at fault for the crash they fled from.
Regardless of fault, it’s still illegal to leave the scene of an accident without checking on other people involved and exchanging information. Drivers should understand that leaving the scene of an accident doesn’t absolve them of culpability, it just adds to their problems.
No – you should try to get the license plate or at least the make and model of the vehicle and call law enforcement immediately, collect evidence, talk to witnesses and wait for police to arrive. There are a variety of reasons why it’s a bad idea to chase after a hit and run driver:
Safety concerns: Chasing a fleeing driver could put you, the other driver and the public at risk. High-speed chases can lead to additional accidents or injuries, and your actions could potentially make you financially liable for damage and injuries you cause in the chase.
Legal implications: Engaging in a high-speed chase can result in traffic violations or criminal charges against you, such as reckless driving or endangering public safety.
Emotional state: After an accident, you may be in an emotional or heightened state, which could impair your judgment and driving ability or lead to dangerous altercations.
Preservation of evidence: Leaving the scene of the accident to chase the other driver could result in the loss of valuable evidence. It is important to stay at the scene, gather evidence and speak with witnesses to strengthen your case.
Obstruction of the investigation: Chasing a fleeing driver could hinder the police investigation and make it more difficult to identify the responsible party.
The Zdrilich Law Group is committed to helping all Duluth residents who have been injured in auto accidents of any kind. We’re always ready to help you investigate your accident and help show the other driver was at fault for your injuries. Call us at (770) 931-9604 for a free consultation.
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Zdrilich Injury Law is committed to helping injured Georgians receive the money they need to recover physically and financially after an accident.
Zdrilich Injury Law, LLC providers one-on-one representation to car accident, truck accident and workers’ compensation clients in Georgia.
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