If you envision a hit-and-run, what do you see? Most people see might picture a car speeding through a stop sign, striking another and speeding off before the police arrive. While this is technically an example of a hit-and-run, it is not the only example.
According to Drive Safely, there are about 682,000 hit-and-run accidents every year.
Hit-and-run explained
A hit-and-run accident involves an accident where one vehicle hits a person, vehicle or object and then leaves the scene. Hit-and-runs do not always have to take place on the roadway. If a person slams into a parked car and drives away, this is still a hit-and-run accident. If you were injured in an accident or suffered property damage and received no information from the other driver, then you may be the victim of a hit-and-run.
Hit-and-run exceptions
If there is no one present at the time of the accident, the driver does not necessarily have to stay on the scene. For example, say that a driver hits your car while you are in the grocery store. If only the car suffers damage, then the person does not have to stay.
However, he or she does have to leave information. The driver should take photos of the scene and assess the damage. If you come out in time to catch the person, then the two of you need to file a police report. However, if he or she left a note with vehicle details, a name, phone number and email address, then he or she can leave the scene before you arrive.
A vehicle can never flee the scene if there is another person involved. If you suffered injuries during an accident, the driver has an obligation to help.
