If you have been involved in an accident where the driver left the scene, know that a professional collision attorney could offer you their assistance in identifying the driver and collecting injury compensation from the party at fault. There are many common Indianapolis hit-and-run accident causes that can explain the motivation behind the defendant’s behavior and how to hold them liable for their actions. Read on to learn more about the different common Indianapolis hit-and-run accident causes, as well as the ways a skilled lawyer could help you today.
What Constitutes a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Hit-and-run accident occurs when someone who is knowingly in a car accident chooses to flee the scene in an attempt to avoid taking responsibility. Some common Indianapolis hit-and-run accident causes involve the driver panicking, or perhaps they are driving their parent’s car and do not want to get in trouble. Some do not have insurance and think that if they drive away they will be able to avoid the obligation.
However, if these individuals are caught by the police, not only will they be held to the negligence standard in civil law regarding being at fault for the accident, but they will be arrested for committing a crime as well. In addition, if there is an injury involved in a hit-and-run accident, then that makes the criminal punishment more severe–especially if there is an injury leading on a death.
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Driver Intoxication
Many common Indianapolis hit-and-run accident causes are because the individual is intoxicated, or they have been drinking and think that if they stay at the scene they will be arrested for a drunk driving. They might have a criminal history for drunk driving or accidents and do not want to take responsibility. This is a very common thing that happens, and if the vehicle is not operable, they have a harder time leaving. Some individuals will run from the scene even is their car is not operable because they know that they have been drinking or are intoxicated. If they get the car later on down the road, they will not be intoxicated when they are caught, but they will still have separate criminal consequences for leaving the scene of an accident.
Complicating Factors
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, it is more difficult to collect basic information. Law enforcement will not be able to know if the driver was alone, if they had people with them, if they were involved in a criminal activity, or if they were taking drugs, drinking alcohol, or doing both. A plaintiff can potentially have some defendants that one will never know about because they left the scene of the accident.
In addition, if statements are not taken properly from other witnesses that might be at the scene who can help identify the people that were in the vehicle, then that hurts the case. If there is property damage involved, unlike a regular car accident where there is normally no criminal charge attached, it is typically considered a criminal misdemeanor. If there is a hit-and-run leaving the scene of an accident with physical injuries or bodily injuries involved, then that crime is a felony with penalties extending over a year in prison.
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