The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety defines hit-and-run accidents as collisions in which at least one person involved in the crash flees the scene before offering any (or sufficient) information or aid to the other involved person(s) or fails to properly report the crash. Hit-and-run accidents are a major issue for a number of reasons, but in particular, they can increase the severity of outcomes given delays or the complete absence of medical attention for the victims. As of 2017, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that both the rate and fatality levels of hit-and-run collisions are on the rise. There were an estimated 737,100 hit-and-run crashes in 2015 (NHTSA, 2016). This translates to a hit-and-run crash happening somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds. The 2,049 fatalities that resulted from hit-and-run crashes in 2016 were the highest number recorded up to that point.
What Factors Make Hit and Runs More Likely?
Hit-and-run accidents are often characterized by certain specific factors. Common characteristics include the crash having few witnesses and or poor lighting. If there are many witnesses or the scene is highly visible, people are less likely to flee the scene of a crash. Relatedly, people are much more likely to flee a crash between the hours of midnight and 4:00 am, than between 8:00 am and 11:59 am. This is due to a host of reasons, but one explanation is that nighttime drivers generally engage in more risky behavior. A recent article described a Washington D.C. hit-and-run car accident.
The recent article described how a dangerous Washington D.C. hit-and-run collision unfolded on the evening of Wednesday, October 4, around 5:45 pm. A mother, her 10-year-old daughter, 6-year-old son, and dog were in the middle of the crosswalk at C and 12th Streets in Northeast when a dark-colored Nissan Armada accelerated and hit them. The 6-year-old was pinned under the tire of the SUV and was hospitalized with a fractured foot, according to his mother. A video of the incident shows the driver backing up slowly, following the commands of the mother and a neighbor who jumped in to help. The neighbor then directs the driver to pull over to the side past the intersection and at first it appears that’s what he was going to do but in a moment, he drives off.
According to the defendant’s attorney, he is a member of the ministry at Beloved Community Church in Fort Washington, a community support worker for a healthcare company, and has also dedicated time to organizations focused on assisting communities with at-risk youth. The defendant’s motion asked that the judge release the defendant and impose the following conditions: (1) Complete a three-month driving safety course, (2) Pay all reasonable medical bills for the 6-year-old victim, (3) Complete 25 hours of community service, (4) Issue a public apology, (5) Pay all outstanding DMV monetary fees and penalties, and (6) Receive a driving ban for three months.
Have You Been a Victim of a Washington D.C. Car Accident?
If you or someone you love has been hurt or killed as a result of another driver’s negligence that resulted in a Washington D.C. car accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to consult with an experienced attorney. The attorneys at our firm are ready to use their knowledge and compassion to help handle complex cases involving car accidents. Expenses and injuries sustained in an accident can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced roster of accident attorneys by your side can make a world of difference in the compensation you receive. Our dedicated team of lawyers helps clients better understand their rights and recover damages for their injuries and losses. Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at 1-800-654-1949.