Common Reasons Why Hit & Run Drivers Don’t Stop

Astonishingly, more than one hit-and-run car accident takes place in the U.S. every minute. In fact, of all pedestrian fatalities over the past decade, a staggering 20% were due to such accidents. You may be curious as to why someone would drive away from an auto incident like this. Some of the more common reasons for hit-and-run accidents in Arizona include:

• Lack of insurance – uninsured or underinsured drivers
• Suspended driver’s license or no license
• Driver has too many tickets
• Driver might not have permission to be using the vehicle they are driving
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• On probation for other criminal conduct, including having a warrant out for their arrest
• Driving a company car and does not want to suffer consequences at work

Are you the victim of a hit-and-run driver? Our Glendale hit-and-run accident lawyer is here to provide assistance in seeking justice. In many cases, those at fault for these types of accidents will be ordered by the court to pay punitive damages – an additional penalty due to their neglectful actions towards others. Even if we cannot find or identify who is responsible, there may still be means available to help you recover financially through your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. Let us navigate this difficult time together and get what’s rightfully yours!

Hit and Run Charges in Arizona

Depending on the facts of each case, drivers who disregard their duties by leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it can be subject to punishments ranging from fines and citations to more serious legal ramifications. Possible sanctions for such actions include:

Failing To Render Aid/Provide Information

Ignoring the need to give assistance or details subsequent to a collision can result in grave consequences – Class 3 misdemeanors, with potential fines and even up to 30 days imprisonment.

Parked Vehicles/Non-Vehicle Property

Drivers who leave the scene after hitting a parked vehicle or damaging property other than a vehicle (such as a mailbox), and who fail to locate the owner or leave a note providing their information, may also face Class 3 misdemeanor charges.

Damage To A Vehicle

Under ARS 28-662, if your mishap includes only damage to another vehicle and no physical injuries, you must stop at the scene or immediately return there in case of inability. Additionally, when it is necessary, provide information as well as assistance. Fleeing from an accident with damaged vehicles constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor – this violation can result in hefty fines and four months imprisonment max!

Injury Or Death

When the scene of an accident involves serious physical injury or death, fleeing is a class 2 felony. This offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in state prison, and up to 12.5 if aggravating circumstances were involved (or probation with up to 1 year in jail). As if that weren’t enough, drivers also face 10-year revocation of their driver’s license.

Injury Or Death

If an individual drives away from the scene of a crash involving serious or fatal injuries, even if they were not at fault for the accident, then they can be charged with a Class 3 felony. This incurs numerous consequences: up to 8 years in prison; probation accompanied by 1 year’s imprisonment; and revocation of their driver’s license for 5 years. In cases where non-serious injuries occur, because someone fled the scene of an accident, drivers will face charges that are considered Class 5 felonies – these come with a mandatory minimum sentence of 9 months imprisonment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Pays for Damages in a Hit and Run Case?

Whether you were injured by a hit-and-run driver or experienced another type of accident, navigating through the aftermath can be an overwhelming task. Who will pay for my medical bills? How do I recoup lost wages? Will I receive compensation for pain and suffering? These are all valid questions – fortunately, there are several possible sources of payments available to those who have been wronged. They include:

• The other driver. When it comes to hit-and-run cases, evading responsibility is not an option; you can’t escape the consequences of your actions. Through witness testimonies as well as our investigations, we are able to locate these drivers so that they—and their respective insurance companies—can be held accountable for any losses incurred.
• Your insurance company. In some cases, your insurance company may be liable for all or a portion of the damage. We will analyze your policy to ascertain how much responsibility lies with them.
• Workers’ compensation coverage. In the event of a hit-and-run incident while on the clock, workers’ compensation may offer coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and any other resulting damages.

What Happens If I Leave The Scene Of My Car Accident?

If you were recently the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Arizona, it is vital that you act quickly. Reach out to law enforcement right away and discuss your situation with an experienced Glendale hit-and-run accident attorney who can provide legal guidance. By state law, drivers must stay at the scene of any collision they caused or are involved in; failing to comply could result in criminal charges against them. Additionally, if serious injuries have been sustained due to this incident, victims may need to pursue a civil lawsuit as well – don’t wait until it’s too late!

For years, Klink Law, PLLC has been fighting for those whose lives have been detrimentally impacted by a hit-and-run driver in Arizona. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our experienced personal injury lawyer will be more than willing to provide you with an obligation-free consultation so that they can learn exactly how they can best support your personal injury case. Reach out today to discuss further details or submit an online inquiry right away.

Contact Our Glendale Hit-And-Run Accident Attorney

At Klink Law, PLLC, our committed Glendale hit-and-run accident attorney will aid you in seeking justice if you or a loved one were seriously injured or passed away due to a hit-and-run incident. The driver ought to be held responsible for their behavior, consequently, you should not have to bear the weight of medical bills or any other expenses related to this collision. We guarantee that we will do all within the law’s power to provide retribution for your harm and any losses linked with it. Get in touch with us today free of charge consultation and find out how we can assist.