Hit and Run Accident Claims

The Road Traffic Act 1988 mandates all drivers to stop at the scene of a car crash. Those involved are expected to assist any injured party, inform the nearest law enforcement agency, and provide their insurance details to the other party. Failure to stop at the collision site is a criminal offence punishable with up to six months in prison.

The same factors that contribute to car accidents result in hit-and-run crashes. These include speeding, drink driving, failing to obey traffic lights, tailgating, etc. The biggest question, however, is what makes a driver flee the scene of an accident?
Could it be because of the reason the collision occurred or something more? Below are some of the reasons why drivers leave an accident scene.

They’ve Committed a Crime

People who commit a crime are more likely to flee the scene of an accident. The most common offence would be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving impaired is a severe offence in the UK that comes with at least six months imprisonment, a driving ban for at least one year and a fine.

According to the Metropolitan Police , the legal alcohol limit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Anything above this would be deemed driving under the influence and a crime.

As such, drivers who drive while under the influence sometimes flee the scene to avoid the possibility of going to jail. Some of these drivers wait until the alcohol leaves their system before they turn themselves in for the hit-and-run accident. This way, they can at least deny any charge of driving under the influence.

Also, there are instances where a hit-and-run driver might have been fleeing from a crime scene. In such a case, they will not remain at the accident site to prevent the possibility of them getting caught by the police.

As a hit-and-run accident victim, there are steps you must take immediately after the crash. They include the following:

Call the Police

The police are your best chance of catching the hit-and-run driver and holding them responsible for your injuries and other losses. The police have several tools to track down a hit-and-run driver.
For example, if you or a traffic camera got the license plate number of the fleeing car, the investigators can use it to track down the driver. However, note that the police will not investigate minor hit-and-run accidents where you suffered only a dent or scratch to your vehicle. you fail to get medical treatment.

Two classes of damages are available to a person injured in a hit-and-run accident. They are special and general damages.

Special Damages

Special or economic damages are the money paid to a victim to cover the financial losses from the accident. Typically, special damages cover medical bills, loss of income, and property damage. Where the victim dies, it covers their funeral and burial expenses. Economic damages are the easiest to prove, as you can do so with the receipts of the payments made for medical treatment or pay stubs from your employer.

• The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
• The negligent party breached the dirty of care
• The breach caused the accident that resulted in injuries
• You suffered damages as a result of the accident

If the police fail to trace the hit-and-run driver, you can still file a compensation claim. However, your claim would go to the Motor Insurance Bureau  (MIB). The MIB settles crash victims in situations where the at-fault driver is uninsured or at large.

The MIB will investigate your claim, and the process will be faster if you can provide them with evidence. The Bureau will ask for your medical record and schedule a private medical assessment to determine the severity of your injury. Our legal team at Claims Bible can provide you with more information on the MIB claim process.

There is no clear-cut figure for the amount you are likely to receive as compensation after a hit-and-run crash. Several factors play a role in the total amount. Note that you have three years from the date the accident occurred to file a claim. Once this time elapses, your case will be statute-barred.