Hit-And-Run Car Accident Lawyer Louisville

Many people don’t handle car accidents well, especially when there are serious injuries or severe consequences to consider. Sometimes rather than face any of the penalties or consequences that come with car accidents, some choose not to stick around and leave the scene of the accident. This is what is known as a hit and run. It doesn’t even matter if the person gets out of the vehicle and checks to make sure the other vehicle and the people inside are okay. In Kentucky, if you leave before the authorities arrive, you could be charged with a hit and run.

Consequences of a Hit and Run

When a hit and run occurs, there are different consequences for each party. The person who was hit may be stuck with the cost of the damages because they can’t recover them from the unknown party. The person who left the scene may face severe penalties when they are caught simply because just about anything they could have done as a driver is going to be compounded by the fact that they left the scene. That means they may face the penalties they would have if they stayed, on top of facing a hit and run charge. If the person who left avoids having their injuries attended to because they are afraid of being caught, they may face medical consequences as well. Further, if the person they hit happens to die as a result of the accident, the stakes only get that much higher for the one who left the scene.

A hit and run is never an “accident”. It is something that is willfully done. In fact, the only way a person might even claim that leaving was an accident is if they were so drunk they didn’t realize that they hit another vehicle or person. In either case, it is a criminal offense and will be treated as such.

Accidents with Cars, Pedestrians, and Other Objects

A hit and run doesn’t always mean a car was involved and can occur with pedestrians and other objects like signs and other property. For the most part, however, the penalties are severe, especially when the accident causes injury or death. You could end up paying up to $20,000 in fees and fines, and could be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. No matter what you think you might face by remaining at the scene of the accident, it’s significantly more if you leave. It’s crucial that you remain at the scene of the car accident and notify the authorities to prevent being charged with a hit and run.

If you are in an accident where someone else left the scene, it may feel like a hopeless situation. However, a qualified car accident lawyer can help you figure out what your options are and possibly track down the responsible party. If you have been injured in a car accident and the other driver left, contact Harville Law Offices online or call us at (502) 245-2333 immediately.