Analysis of hit-and-run crashes found that about one in five of all pedestrian fatalities are hit-and-runs, and 60% of hit-and-run fatalities have pedestrians as victims. ‘Alcohol is a major, major part of the problem, from the driver’s perspective especially.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the number of hit-and-runs that result in fatalities is up to 1,449 in 2011. That’s a 13 percent increase over previous years.
The Problem
Hit-and-runs are so common for a few different reasons. To begin with, drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or who were distracted may realize immediately that they were at fault. They may panic and run or run just because they don’t want to get caught. In either case, they are making their case worse. Drivers are more distracted than ever too, and common causes of hit-and-run accidents include:
- Intoxicated drivers
- Drivers using cell phones or texting on their cell phones
- Drivers not following traffic signals
- Red light runs
- Drivers who cannot see well at night
- Pedestrians not using crosswalks properly
The problem of hit-and-run collisions is becoming bigger every single year, and most people know or know of someone who has been a victim of this type of accident.
Generally, when a driver chooses to run, it is because they are attempting to avoid the consequences of the crime they just have committed and therefore rack up two or more crimes in one incident.
The Damage
The vast majority of pedestrian hit-and-runs are fatal. That’s because person cannot hold any contest to a vehicle that is made of tons of steel. In addition to fatalities, other injuries that can occur from these types of accidents include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Brain injuries and head trauma
- Internal organ injuries
- Extreme bruises, cuts, and contusions
- Massive full-body damage
Very, very rarely does a pedestrian walk away from a hit-and-run collision. The medical expenses can be very costly and the victim usually misses work for some time. They could be left permanently disabled. All of this cost should be compensated by the driver who was responsible for the accident.
Hit-and-runs can be very difficult to navigate in the legal world because the driver has to be proven responsible. Sometimes, it can even be hard to track down the vehicle responsible for the accident. It becomes all the more important, then, to have an experienced attorney fighting for the victim’s rights.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS YOU CAN TRUST
While it is the responsibility of the legal system to make stricter laws to help prevent hit-and-runs, this will not stop the accidents from happening. The continually growing problem proves that hit-and-runs are not getting better. More and more people are becoming victims, and that means you and your loved ones are more at risk as well.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run in San Diego, then understand that you may have the right to compensation or even punitive damages. However, you will not receive the compensation you deserve if you don’t have an experienced attorney fighting for your rights. You are likely facing extreme injuries that could affect you for the rest of your life, and someone should be held accountable.