Being involved in an auto accident is stressful enough. Add in the element of a hit-and-run, and it may leave you feeling completely helpless. A hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic experience, leaving victims with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. Plus, navigating the aftermath of the accident can be overwhelming.
Hit and runs are not uncommon. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2022), hit-and-runs affect around 1 in 250 licensed drivers annually, with over 4 million people involved in hit-and-runs between 2018 and 2022.
With over 25 years of experience, Jeff GOULD Law is the Attorney in YOUR Corner. Our extensive experience and knowledge in personal injury law give you the best guidance to make informed decisions about your legal rights after a hit-and-run accident. If you’ve found yourself in this unfortunate situation, keep reading for our list of do’s and don’ts.
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What Constitutes a Hit and Run Accident?
In traffic law, an accident is considered a hit-and-run whenever a driver fails to remain on the scene. It is also characterized by the at-fault driver’s refusal to notify law enforcement, provide information about themselves, or give assistance to others.
Arizona Hit-and-Run Laws
Understanding the legalities of hit-and-run accidents in Arizona is essential for victims seeking justice. Arizona has stringent laws to address this type of incident, and those who flee the scene are held accountable for their actions.
One noteworthy law in this regard is Senate Bill 1163, also known as Joey’s Law. The law was named after young hit-and-run victim Joey Romero. Joey’s Law was passed to address the rising concerns about hit-and-run incidents in Arizona. It was created to protect victims and increase penalties for hit-and-run offenses.
Arizona Penalties for Hit-and-Run Crashes
Below is a breakdown of the Arizona penalties for hit-and-run incidents:
- Damage to Non-Vehicle
30 Days Jail, One Year Probation, $500 Fine
- Damage to Parked Vehicle
30 Days Jail, One Year Probation, $500 Fine
- Property Damage Only
Four Months Jail, Two Years Probation, $750
- Non-serious Injury
2.5 Years in Prison, Loss of License for Three Years
- Serious Injury or Death (even if you did not cause the accident)
8.75 Years or More in Prison, Loss of License for Five Years
- Serious Injury or Death (if you caused the accident)
12.5 Years or More in Prison, Loss of License for 10 Years
The Do’s and Don’ts After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The moments following a car crash can be emotional and downright scary. However, it’s important to remain as calm as you can. Ensure you take the proper steps after a car accident by following our do’s and don’ts list.
The Do’s
- Seek Medical Attention:
Seek medical attention, no matter how minor you think your injuries are.
- Gather Information:
Gather important information like the license plate number of the hit-and-run driver (if possible), a description of the vehicle’s make, model, and color, which direction they were headed, and any key information about the driver’s appearance.
- Notify the Police:
The police will file a report, which can be used to build your case and achieve maximum compensation.
- Collect Witness Statements:
Collect statements from any eyewitnesses and obtain any surveillance camera footage.
- Inform Your Insurance Company:
Let your insurance company know that you’ve been involved in an accident.
- Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney:
Call an experienced car accident attorney. A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal processes, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed.
The Don’ts
- Don’t Lose your temper:
Letting emotions overtake you can make a bad situation worse.
- Don’t Chase After the Driver:
Chasing after the driver is dangerous and may result in another accident or other unsafe situations. It could also put you in a compromising position, or you may miss getting eyewitness accounts, leaving police to question who’s really at fault. Stay at the scene and wait for law enforcement.
- Don’t Leave Before Law Enforcement Arrives:
You need to be at the scene so the police can create a report of the accident.
- Don’t: Assume the insurance claim will be open-and-shut:
Understanding how insurance covers hit-and-run accidents will help you navigate the process.
- Don’t wait to inform authorities or insurance companies:
Immediately call the police and your insurance company to file a police report or an accident claim. The official accident report will help police look for the missing driver and be useful when you file your accident claim.
How Do I Recover Damages After a Hit-and-Run in Arizona?
The best way to recover damages following a hit-and-run accident is to have an Attorney in YOUR Corner like Jeff GOULD Law. But before you contact us, we need evidence. Recovering damages after a car accident relies heavily on evidence such as a police report, witness statements, pictures, surveillance footage, and any information you can obtain about the other driver. An attorney can help you gather and present this evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
What If the Hit-And-Run Driver Is Never Located?
Unfortunately, most hit-and-run drivers are hard to locate. This is because hit-and-run accidents happen fast, and the at-fault driver usually flees the scene as quickly as possible. If the driver cannot be located, filing a claim becomes much more difficult. However, your insurance policy may still provide coverage regardless of whether the driver can be found. In such cases, your attorney can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
You May Have Insurance To Cover a Tucson Hit and Run
These are some of the insurance coverage types that may be able to help you following a hit-and-run incident:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
This type of coverage covers bodily injuries and any property damage sustained by you or your passengers.
- MedPay Coverage
This coverage provides coverage for medical expenses regardless of who is at fault.
Your Attorney May Be Able To Identify Other Options for Coverage
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, a personal injury attorney may be able to recover damages even if the other driver can’t be located. Were you or a loved one recently involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Oro Valley, Marana, or Tucson area? Don’t go through the legal process alone! You need an experienced attorney like Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney in YOUR Corner, to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t DELAY: Call Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney In YOUR Corner – TODAY!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is not intended to be legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.