Hit and run accidents occur when a driver causes a collision and flees the scene without providing information or assistance. Unfortunately, while you may avoid facing responsibility for your actions, your decision to flee the scene only creates additional hardships for victims who may have suffered an injury. If you hit someone and leave the accident scene, you need the support of a skilled defense attorney who can help minimize the consequences.
What Constitutes a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid to injured parties. This can happen with any type of accident, whether it involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or property damage. Under North Carolina law, all drivers have a legal obligation to stop after being involved in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene of an Accident?
Several factors commonly motivate drivers to flee:
Alcohol and Drugs
Driving while impaired can already lead to criminal charges – but when driving under the influence causes a collision, the fear of facing multiple charges often causes drivers to flee. In fact, in more cases than not, drivers who leave the scene of an accident generally drank alcohol prior to the collision.
Driving Without Insurance
If the responsible party in an accident was either uninsured or underinsured, they are more likely to flee an accident scene. When drivers lack adequate car insurance, they rarely have the assets to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damage out of pocket. These drivers may choose to flee to escape financial responsibility for the damages they caused.
Fear of Legal Consequences
Some hit and run drivers have criminal histories or outstanding warrants, and they may flee accident scenes thinking this will help them avoid compounding their legal problems. Drivers without valid licenses or those who drive vehicles they don’t own may panic and leave the scene rather than face the consequences of their actions.
When Are Hit and Run Accidents Most Likely to Occur?
Timing plays a significant role in hit and run accidents:
Visibility Conditions and Time of Day
Fatal hit and run crashes are significantly more common at night. According to a study cited by AAA, fleeing is about 4.4 times more likely to occur during dawn, dusk, or nighttime than in broad daylight, as poor lighting conditions both contribute to the initial accident and provide cover for drivers who attempt to escape.
Weekends and High-Activity Times of Day
Weekend nights see a higher proportion of hit and run incidents than weekdays, peaking on Saturday. This pattern likely correlates with higher rates of impaired driving during weekend social activities.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Hit and Run Accidents?
Not all road users face the same level of risk. Pedestrians fall victim most often to hit and run accidents. According to IIHS data, hit and run collisions caused around 25 percent of all pedestrian deaths in one recent year. Unfortunately, this statistic reflects the vulnerability of pedestrians and the perceived ability of drivers to get away scot-free.
What Are the Legal Consequences of Leaving the Scene?
Hit and run penalties in North Carolina vary based on accident severity. For property damage only, hit and run drivers can face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the accident causes injury, those penalties could increase to up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
In hit and run cases that result in a wrongful death, offenders may face up to 30 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of four years.
Get Support from the Hit and Run Defense Attorneys at Greene Wilson & Styron
If you face hit and run charges, the experienced legal team at Greene Wilson & Styron can help you understand your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Call our New Bern office location or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Get in touch right away to secure the robust defense you need.