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.
How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?
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.
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 fatal Washington D.C. hit-and-run collision unfolded early in the morning on Thursday, June 8. Around 12:30 am, a 2017 Mercedes C300 drove through a red light and slammed into a 2005 Ford Focus. The Ford Focus was driving north on 11th Street while the Mercedes C300 was on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Mercedes C300 hit the driver’s side of the Ford Focus, causing a 19-year-old woman to be ejected from the window. She was pronounced dead at the scene by D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Two other individuals who were in the Ford were treated for minor injuries. Law enforcement officials state that two people that were inside the Mercedes C300 reportedly fan away following the crash.
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 sudden medical emergency 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.