What Are the Consequences of a Hit and Run?

After being involved in an accident, you may be dealing with many uncertainties as to what your next steps should be. What’s worse is if this accident was a hit and run and you cannot firmly identify the person that hit you. Read on to discover the consequences of a hit and run and how a seasoned Morris County automobile accidents attorney at Lutz Injury Law can help you attain justice.

What are the common causes of a hit-and-run accident?

It is possible that the at-fault driver hit you and drove away in a panic. Or, the following scenarios are also conceivable:

• The at-fault driver did not have the proper car insurance and thus did not want to face you and be obligated to pay hefty out-of-pocket for damages to your automobile.
• The at-fault driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and did not want to face the legal consequences had a law enforcement officer arrived at the scene.
• The at-fault driver had outstanding warrants or other legal issues and did not want to face the legal consequences had a law enforcement officer arrived at the scene.

What are the penalties of a hit and run?

At the very least, if the hit-and-run driver is later identified, they will be facing a misdemeanor charge and the penalties that are associated with that. However, depending on the severity of the accident, they may even be facing felony charges and the respective penalties. Some other potential consequences for the at-fault driver may include the following:

• If the at-fault driver has insurance, their premiums will significantly increase. And if they do not have insurance, they will face additional consequences for driving without it.
• If the at-fault driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will face additional consequences for this crime.
• The at-fault driver can have a civil lawsuit placed against him.
• The at-fault driver can receive additional penalties from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

What should I do if I was involved in a hit and run?

Firstly, if you can remember or if you have time, you should either commit the hit-and-run driver’s license plate number to memory or take a photo of it. Then, you should call the authorities, and they will be able to dispatch an ambulance on your behalf. In the meantime, you should take photos of your injuries and damages. You should seek medical attention even if you feel normal, as some injuries are not initially noticeable.

And lastly, after leaving the scene of the accident, you should immediately retain the services of a competent Morris County personal injury attorney. Our firm will help you in identifying the hit-and-run driver and hold them accountable.

CONTACT OUR MORRIS COUNTY FIRM

If you have been the victim of the negligence of another in an accident, please contact a qualified New Jersey personal injury attorney at Lutz Injury Law as quickly as possible following the subject accident.