In terms of legal liability, is a hit and run considered to be the same thing as leaving the scene of an accident?
The answer is yes. An incident is considered a hit and run when one of the drivers involved in the accident fails to stop his or her vehicle and leaves the accident without providing information regarding their identity or providing reasonable aid to injured passengers, which is also referred to as “leaving the scene of the accident.” These terms may be used interchangeably when it comes to establishing legal liability for the accident.
If you were hurt in a hit and run accident, you are likely experiencing anger and frustration over the other driver’s negligence and refusal to take responsibility for their actions. You may also be worried about lost time at work due to your injuries and mounting medical bills. Now is the time to call personal injury lawyer Bart Bernard, who is ready to work tirelessly to make sure your rights are represented and your voice is heard. You may be eligible for substantial monetary compensation for your injuries. Don’t leave money on the table! You’re Smart. Get Bart™.
Types of hit and runs
A hit and run is any accident where a vehicle strikes another vehicle, object, or person, after which the driver then flees the scene. Some of the most devastating cases involve severe auto accidents or a vehicle striking pedestrians walking or biking. However, it is possible to have a reckless driver run into a home or building, causing injuries. Whatever the accident entails, the driver must stop to fully assess the situation and provide proper information that allows the other parties to identify and contact them as needed.
Differences between a misdemeanor and felony hit and run
Under Louisiana law, there are two categories of hit and runs: misdemeanor and felony. A misdemeanor is much less severe and typically only involves damages to property. In these cases, the driver may responsible for the damage and can serve some jail time or probation.
A felony hit and run is much more devastating as it is any hit and run accident that involves injury or death to one of the parties involved. In these cases, the responsible driver may flee the scene because they are too emotional or scared to face the severity of the damages they caused. By doing this, they make the situation even worse by depriving the victim of a prompt medical response that could have potentially reduced the severity of their injury or even saved their life.
Even if the fleeing party wasn’t completely at fault, they can still be held responsible for their failure to follow standard vehicle accident procedures following an accident. Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers will use our robust investigative resources to discover the identity of the hit and run driver and fight for full and fair compensation for you and your family.
Filing a lawsuit
If you or a loved one were the victim of a hit and run, it’s important to know that the criminal court proceedings will only address the driver’s responsibility to the public, and while they may result in jail time, probation, or government fines, you will not be awarded monetary damages. If the insurance company offer is not enough to fully compensate you for your losses, you must file a civil lawsuit against the responsible party. In your lawsuit, you can make claims for current and future medical bills, damages to property, pain and suffering, funeral and memorial costs, and other damages or expenses caused by the hit and run.
Hiring the right attorney
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run, work with a personal injury attorney that understands the intricacies of hit and run lawsuits, cares about the overall wellbeing of you and your family, and won’t collect a dime unless your case is won. Call us today for your free consultation and see how we can help you receive the justice you deserve. Lafayette car accident lawyer Bart Bernard is waiting to hear from you.
