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Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are a common occurrence and lead to the loss of precious lives. While the accident may not always be the fault of the driver, sometimes they may fail to stop due to fear in the spur of the moment.

No matter the reason, after a hit and run accident it is important to contact a lawyer and figure out what to do. There are legal ramifications for such incidents, and you should pursue your rights to avoid dealing with hefty bills later on.

What is a hit and run accident?

A hit and run accident is one where a driver gets into an accident and leaves the scene before checking on the victims, providing identification, or waiting for law enforcement. This is considered a crime, and such actions can lead to fines, imprisonment, a criminal record, and other ramifications.

What are the common causes of a car accident?

There are numerous causes for car accidents, including:

• Poor weather: Sometimes, the weather on the road can turn bad, leading to poor visibility or control.
• Driving under the influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can inhibit a driver’s ability to make decisions quickly or perceive objects on the road.
• Fatigue: Sometimes tired drivers continue operating the vehicle instead of resting. This leads to them falling asleep at the wheel.

Why do people flee the scene after a hit and run?

While a car accident may not always be the fault of a driver, they can still stop and check on the victims. So why don’t they?

• Fear: Typically, those who flee the scene of an accident are running away from the consequences. There can be many reasons for this. The driver may just be afraid of having made a mistake and not want to face the consequences. This is a basic human reaction.
• DUI: Sometimes, a driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and unable to recognise that they have caused an accident or appreciate the seriousness of the consequences. Impairment can also heighten fear and prompt them to flee the scene—situations commonly handled by traffic offence lawyers.
• Criminal background: In some rare cases, the driver may have a warrant for arrest in their name and may want to avoid being caught by the police. Sometimes, the driver may not have proper immigration papers and may not stop for fear of being arrested.
• Financial costs: Car accidents cost a ton of money to deal with. In many cases, the driver may not have the means to pay for the damages and may flee the scene to escape this.
• Poor judgment or a lack of awareness: Sometimes, the driver may not be aware that they have caused an accident due to bad weather, poor visibility, or poor judgment.

Legal consequences

Canadian law awards perpetrators of hit and run accidents with many penalties, including:

• Prison time: Perpetrators can be awarded 14 years in prison for grave injuries or life if a victim dies from the accident.
• Fines: Perpetrators of hit and run accidents have to pay around $1000-$2000 in fines.
• License suspension: Drivers can have their license suspended if they flee the scene of an accident.
• Insurance suspension: Insurance companies may refuse to provide insurance in the future or void existing insurance policies if the driver flees the accident scene.

Conclusion

Hit and run accidents are caused by bad judgment in most cases and a sheer lack of empathy in others. Whatever the reason may be, it is illegal to leave the scene of a car accident without checking on the victims, reporting to law enforcement, and providing necessary identification.