The roads of Fort Worth and greater Texas may be populated with drivers who, when they cause an accident, might choose to flee the scene for one reason or another. CBS Dallas-Fort Worth covered the death of a high school student killed by a hit and run driver in early June 2020, illuminating how serious and real the consequences of a hit and run accident can be.
If you or a loved one was in a collision where a motorist who was involved fled the scene, you may be able to seek compensation from that person and possibly other people through a lawsuit. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today at 800-777-7777 for a free consultation about how a Fort Worth hit and run accident lawyer may be of use to you.
Hit and Run Accidents Are a Significant Problem
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety describes a hit and run accident as an accident where “at least one person involved in a crash flees the scene before offering any (or sufficient) information or aid to the other involved person(s) or fails to properly report the crash.”
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety adds that:
- The rate of hit and run accidents is increasing
- 737,100 hit and run accidents occurred in the United States in 2015, illustrating how prevalent these accidents are
- Hit and run accidents were responsible for the death of 2,049 people in the United States in 2016, which was a national all-time high
- There were 1,980 total hit and run accidents that caused death in 2016
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 19 percent of pedestrians were killed in hit and run accidents.
These statistics indicate that the toll of hit and run accidents is high and that fleeing the scene after being in a collision is a behavior worth discouraging.
Why Hit and Run Accidents May Occur
The Washington Post delves into why a motorist might flee the scene after being in an accident. The Washington Post cites the following reasons for why a hit and run driver might leave the scene:
- The driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision and feared consequences related specifically to their impairment
- Perhaps related to impairment, the driver might not have been aware that they were involved in an accident at all
- The driver rationalized that the accident was not worth stopping for, let alone reporting
- The driver had a general lack of “good moral judgment” or emotional empathy
- The driver had a psychological breakdown, leading them to act as if they were not in an accident, even if a victim was literally on or jutting into their vehicle
The Washington Post adds that certain conditions—generally those that may make somebody believe they can get away with fleeing—may increase the chances of a hit and run. These conditions may include:
- The accident occurred at night, and specifically in an area where the lighting was poor
- The accident occurred in a location where few or no witnesses were present
Regardless of the reason why a hit and run accident occurred, it might be grounds for criminal charges and could be a reason for you to pursue compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins at 800-777-7777 today for a consultation about the services that a Fort Worth hit and run accident lawyer may provide you.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Fort Worth, call 800-777-7777
A Hit and Run Accident Could Cause Extensive Harm
Being in any car accident can cause significant harm, and a hit and run accident may be no exception. In fact, someone who flees the scene of an accident may do so because they fear or know that their actions caused a person’s injuries or death.
Possible outcomes from a hit and run accident may include:
- One or more injuries to you or your loved one
- Significant property damage
- The death of your loved one
Suffering an injury could:
- Put you out of work for an indeterminate period of time
- Cause you to sacrifice your income for as long as you are out of work
- Cause serious, and possibly permanent, physical harm
- Cause serious, and possibly permanent, psychological or emotional harm
- Cause you to sustain substantial medical expenses
If you lose a loved one in a hit and run accident, then:
- You may lose the comfort and other forms of value that your loved one provided to you and others
- You or anyone who relies on the deceased financially could lose their source of financial support
- You and others who care about the deceased may experience indescribable grief
- Your family and the deceased’s friends may suffer their ultimate loss
These and any other losses you or your loved one suffered as the result of a hit and run accident could be the basis for you to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
A Lawsuit Could Restore a Measure of Justice
When somebody fails to take accountability by fleeing the scene of your accident, they may open themselves up to liability beyond their role in causing the accident itself. Bringing a lawsuit against the party who fled the scene of your accident may:
- Allow you to restore justice against the person who injured you, injured your loved one, or caused the death of your loved one
- Allow you to seek compensation covering your various losses
- Allow you to hold the responsible party financially responsible for fleeing the scene of your accident
A lawyer may handle various aspects of your lawsuit. They may be able to prove the negligence of any defendants named in your suit and obtain the compensation that you are entitled to collect.
Fort Worth Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-777-7777
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today
Hiring a Fort Worth hit and run accident lawyer may allow you to focus on your recovery or your life as you knew it. Your lawyer can pursue the compensation you may be entitled to collect as the victim of a hit and run driver. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today at 800-777-7777 for a free consultation about whether you may want to initiate a lawsuit against one or more individuals responsible for your accident.
Call or text 800-777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
