When someone causes a crash and then flees the scene of the crash, that is considered a hit and run accident. If a driver hits another and leaves the scene of the accident, they could be held liable for damages. A dedicated Dallas hit and run accident lawyer could help you find the negligent motorist and help you get compensation for your damages. Speak to a local car accident lawyer to discuss your options.
Why Do Drivers Flee The Scene Of An Accident?
Usually, when a person hits another person or car, they get out of their vehicle and assess the damages. But in a hit-and-run, a driver flees before any actions can be taken. Regardless of the type of damage the crash caused, legally drivers are required to stop at the scene and exchange information. There are many reasons why a motorist flees the scene of an accident. The most common include drinking and driving, lack of insurance, or other legal issues.
Panicked Driver
Sometimes a driver panics and makes a bad decision in the stress of the moment. The driver might have a clean driving record but run away from the crash out of fear. Psychologists say that humans have a fight or flight reflex. When some people are in the middle of a crisis, their instinct is to run. These drivers often turn themselves in after information about the crash is released.
Intoxicated Driver
Hit-and-run drivers avoid stopping at the scene 0ften because they may be driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Many of these inebriated drivers will flee the scene of a crash without helping or exchanging information because they do not want to get a driving while intoxicated conviction. People with previous convictions for DWIs are more likely to flee. Sometimes an impaired driver will wait until he thinks the alcohol or drugs have passed to the system and then turn himself in. This tends to happen when the hit-and-run driver faces a strong possibility of getting caught due to witnesses, security footage, or other evidence left at the scene.
Uninsured Driver
Some people leave the scene of an accident illegally because they do not carry the state-mandated minimum automobile insurance. They do not want to face further ramifications for this, so they end up fleeing.
Outstanding Warrants Or Previous Tickets
A driver might flee the scene of the crash if the driver has outstanding warrants because law enforcement would likely arrest them after running their driver’s license information. A person with previous moving violations might hit-and-run trying to avoid additional points against their license that could cause insurance rates to skyrocket and result in a possible loss of driver’s license.
Legal Problems
A driver fearing adverse consequences from international law enforcement might leave the scene of the collision. For example, a driver who is not a United States citizen, on parole, or who has received a suspended license might prefer to take their chances as a hit-and-run driver.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
What Are Common Types of Recoverable Damages in a Hit and Run Accident?
Generally, there are three types of recoverable damages. There is economic, non-economic, which are sometimes called compensatory damages, and then in egregious circumstances, punitive damages.
Economic damages involve medical expenses, lost wages, and things that can be calculated with some certainty. Non-economic damages is sometimes called human losses, it involve pain, suffering, disability, impairment, or the loss of enjoyment of life. These are the types of damages that cannot be calculated by any formula and typically require a jury to determine what’s fair and reasonable under the circumstances.
Punitive damages are reserved for the most egregious circumstances meant to punish the responsible party. All types of damages can be pursued by an experienced hit-and-run lawyer in Dallas.
Texas law allows recovery of these damages against drunk drivers, for instance. So if the hit-and-run driver hit them or their loved one, fled the scene because he/she was drunk or otherwise intoxicated, they might be able to recover punitive damages, in addition to both the normal economic and non-economic damages.
Dallas Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Seek Legal Help from a Dallas Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, the injured party may not know what to do next. Fortunately, a skilled Dallas hit and run accident lawyer could help. A seasoned lawyer could investigate the accident and find evidence to help find the fleeing driver. Reach out today to learn more about how an attorney could help your case.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
