Why do people leave the scene of an accident?

On Behalf of Johnston Law Offices P.C   |   Jun 6, 2018   |   Hit-and-Run Accidents ,

Every driver should know that there are some important things you must do after any accident: check for damage; check to make sure other people are okay; exchange contact and insurance information. You might also need to call the police if the accident was serious.

Unfortunately, not all drivers do these things. Some drivers flee the scene of a car crash without stopping. Often, people do this because they know they have done something wrong.

Reasons why people might leave an accident scene

A driver might flee the scene of a crash if he or she:

  • Does not have a valid driver’s license
  • Does not have insurance
  • Is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  • Has a warrant out for his or her arrest
  • Does not want to be responsible for the crash
  • Feels that stopping would be unsafe
  • Does not realize he or she needs to stop

While there are some legitimate reasons why a person might not stop, many reasons stem from wanting to avoid facing the consequences of unsafe or illegal behaviors.

What can hit-and-run accident victims do?

It can be very upsetting when a person leaves an accident scene, especially when there is extensive property damage or if a victim is injured. And tracking down the person responsible for an accident can seem impossible. However, it is important to not lose hope. 

Victims can speak with an attorney about the accident. With legal guidance and a thorough investigation, it could be possible to track down the other party. At that point, not only could he or she face criminal charges for failing to stop after an accident, but the person could also be held accountable for damages if his or her negligence caused or contributed to the accident.