Virginia Injury Lawyers Blog
Hit-and-run collisions involve at least one individual fleeing the scene after a crash without offering information or identification, without aiding others involved in the crash, or without reporting the crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were approximately 737,100 hit-and-run crashes in 2015, which equates to this type of crash occurring somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds. Hit-and-Run collisions can be especially stressful for victims who suffer various injuries and property damage to their vehicles.
Fleeing the scene of a car accident is illegal and can result in consequences that involve criminal prosecution. Studies have shown that there are various reasons why individuals decide to flee the scene of a car accident. These reasons may include driving while intoxicated, driving significantly over the speed limit, outstanding warrants for the driver’s arrest, driving a stolen vehicle, or driving without a license or insurance, to name a few.
In a recent news report, two people were injured after a crash on Interstate 66 in Manassas, Virginia. A Nissan Altima experienced a mechanical failure and stopped in the left-center travel lane of the interstate. The driver and passenger of the Altima took various precautions, including putting on the car’s hazard lights and putting a cone that they borrowed from a nearby work zone behind the vehicle. The driver and the passenger then waited behind a retaining wall for help. Within minutes, a Kia Forte slammed into the back of the Nissan, and the driver of the Kia fled on foot and disappeared into the woods.
At the time of the news report, police were unable to find the driver. A man sitting in the rear of the Kia was not wearing a seat belt and suffered life-threatening injuries. A woman in the front of the Kia was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. At the time of the report, the crash was still under investigation.
If you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it is best not to attempt to follow the fleeing driver or put yourself at further risk. It is important to seek medical attention, if needed, for those who may have been injured in the accident (including yourself). If you do not need medical attention, you’ll want to stay on the scene of the accident and notify authorities and take the opportunity to get eyewitness accounts. Filing a police report will be helpful in this situation, and jotting down anything you may remember from the accident about the other driver could be helpful. Connecting with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you figure out what next steps to take is important.
Are You In Need of an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Virginia
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries from a car accident in Virginia, contact the Schupak Law Firm today. Our attorneys bring passion and years of experience in handling some of the most complex personal injury suits and work hard to get our clients the relief they deserve. In addition to having years of experience handling car accident claims, the Schupak Law Firm handles Virginia claims involving slips and falls, medical malpractice, nursing home and elder abuse, premises liability, and wrongful death. Contact our office at 703-491-7070 to schedule a free initial consultation.