A hit-and-run occurs when the liable driver flees the scene of the accident. This type of accident can happen when a driver collides with another car, a pedestrian, or an immobile object like a parking meter, and chooses to ignore their actions. If you’re a victim of this type of accident, police can help you catch the offender.
That act of leaving the scene is a crime. In the event of an auto crash, the state of Kentucky legally requires drivers in an accident to stop, assess the scene and call for medical assistance, and provide identification to the other driver. In the event the driver is unconscious, it is assumed they would have followed protocol.
Hit-and-run accidents can be incredibly frustrating if you’re the victim. It’s important to know that, while not every hit-and-run offender is caught, there is a system in place to find the responsible party.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you’ll want to immediately call emergency services – or have someone call for you. Regardless of how minor you think your injuries are, it’s imperative you get examined by medical professionals to determine the severity of your injuries and what the best plan of action is to treat them. After you’ve been treated, you’ll want to file a report with law enforcement. You’ll need to provide your contact and insurance information, as well as an account of what you remember happening.
Hit-and-Run Investigations in Kentucky
Depending on where the hit-and-run occurred, police officers have a variety of ways they can try to find the offender, in conjunction with the information you provided.
Scene Examination. After you’ve reported the accident, the police will examine the accident scene for any clues that can help them determine how the crash happened and where the runner may have gone. They’ll probably take pictures of any damage to your vehicle, debris on the road, and anything else that was affected by the collision.
Witnesses. If anyone was around to see the hit-and-run happen and are willing to speak to police, they will be asked to provide information on what they saw.
Surveillance Cameras. Surveillance cameras can be incredibly useful when trying to find a hit-and-run offender. Highway cameras, as well as cameras belonging to businesses and homeowners, can provide detailed information of the driver’s vehicle and identity.
Media Coverage. The police may broadcast the accident through local news stations, social media, or newspapers. In theory, this could encourage the negligent party to come forward.
Finding the Responsible Party
If the police are able to locate the suspected driver, that person may be charged with a felony or misdemeanor. You’ll then be able to file a claim with their insurance company. If the driver isn’t found, you’ll have to file a claim with your own insurance company. Most often, uninsured motorist coverage covers hit-and-run accidents; however, this varies by company and policy.
A Paducah car accident injury lawyer from our law firm can help you with your hit-and-run case. If you or a loved one were injured in a collision due to someone else’s negligence, Daryl T. Dixon Law will work to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.
