Hit and run accidents have been happening for as long as there have been cars on the road, but it’s difficult to say when they began to occur more frequently. However, it’s worth noting that there have been some significant events in the history of hit and run accidents that have influenced the way we think about them today.
One of the most well-known incidents involving a hit and run accident occurred in 1891 in New York City. A woman named Bridget Driscoll was struck and killed by a car that was traveling at a speed of just 4 miles per hour. The car was driven by a man named Arthur Edsall, who later said that he had lost control of the vehicle. Although the accident was a relatively minor one by modern standards, it attracted a great deal of attention at the time, as it was one of the first recorded instances of a pedestrian being killed by a motor vehicle.
Since then, hit and run accidents have continued to be a problem on roads around the world. In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the number of hit and run accidents that occur each year, particularly in urban areas. In the United States, for example, there were over 737,000 hit and run accidents in 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of those accidents, nearly 3,000 resulted in fatalities.
Despite the dangers of hit and run accidents, many drivers continue to flee the scene of an accident in order to avoid responsibility. There are many reasons why drivers may choose to do this, including fear of legal consequences, lack of insurance, or simply a desire to avoid being caught.
When involved in a Hit-and-Run accident, it is crucial to obtain necessary steps to move forward and seek justice. In California, it is mandatory for all parties involved to remain at the scene and provide aid. However, if the other driver involved in the accident flees the scene, there are still steps that can be taken to ensure justice is served. It is essential to immediately contact the police, who will arrive on the scene, secure the area, and may put out a bulletin to be on the lookout for the driver.
While waiting for the police to arrive, gathering evidence, such as photos of the crash site, video footage of the accident, and statements from eyewitnesses, can aid in creating a strong personal injury case. Obtaining video footage and photos from the crash site may help identify the driver and the type of damage to their vehicle. Eyewitnesses can give accounts of the accident and details about the driver’s whereabouts.
It is essential to seek medical assistance promptly after an accident, even if no injuries are apparent. Symptoms can be delayed, and going into shock can mask the pain of injuries. Seeking medical attention can help diagnose and treat injuries and create medical records that can be used in a case. This can provide evidence linking the accident to the defendant’s actions if they are eventually caught.
To report a car accident to your insurance company, it’s important to do so promptly, even if you don’t know who hit your car. You can use your insurance provider’s app, a computer or laptop, over the phone, or by submitting documents by mail to file a claim. Your insurance company will investigate the accident to determine fault, and may pay damages directly or seek payment from the other driver’s insurance company. If the other driver cannot be found, you may be compensated through your own policy or by filing a lawsuit. Damages available after a car crash may include medical expenses, vehicle repairs or replacement, and compensation for mental health issues. It’s important to speak with a California car accident attorney to learn more about your legal options, as the time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the accident.
