All Washington, D.C. drivers must carry insurance while operating a vehicle and must remain at the scene of an accident so that the accident can be fully investigated. Under section 50-2201.05c of the D.C. Code, anyone who operates or is in physical control of a vehicle and knows or believes that the vehicle has been in a collision must immediately stop. The person is required to call 911 if another person needs medical attention, remain on the scene until law enforcement arrives, and provide identifying information to law enforcement and to any person who was injured, whose property was injured, or whose wild or domestic animal was injured.
Depending on the nature of the offense, a conviction for a first offense of leaving the scene of an accident may be subject to incarceration for up to 180 days and a fine of $1,000 for a first offense. Only if the driver’s personal safety is at risk is the driver able to leave the scene and can delay calling for help and notifying law enforcement.
How Can Accident Victims Recover After a Hit and Run Accident?
Victims injured in a hit-and-run crash may be able to use proof that the driver fled the scene of the accident in a civil lawsuit against the driver. A conviction for fleeing the scene or another offense may be useful in a civil lawsuit and may be admissible as evidence in court. A victim injured in a hit-and-run accident may be able to recover compensation from the driver for damages related to personal injuries, property damages, psychological suffering, and more. Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal and is never a good idea. Even if a person manages to flee the scene of the accident, law enforcement generally puts significant effort into finding suspects, as one recent news report shows.
D.C. Police Release Video After Fatal Hit and Run
D.C. police recently released additional video surveillance in an attempt to identify a person of interest after a fatal D.C. hit and run crash. According to one news report based on a statement from police, the driver of an Acura TLX ran a red light and crashed into the victim’s car. The driver and passenger of the Acura fled the scene on foot. The victim was 20 years old. Two other cars were also hit but those drivers suffered only minor injuries. Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information about the suspect or the crash that leads to an arrest and conviction. The driver is reportedly wanted for vehicular homicide.
Contact a D.C. Injury Attorney
If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident or another type of Washington, D.C. motor vehicle accident, contact an experienced D.C. injury attorney. The team of professionals at Lebowitz & Mzhen D.C. injury lawyers can assist victims by guiding them through each step of the legal process. The law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen represents clients in motor vehicle accident cases other injury cases in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. To have an attorney evaluate your claim and determine the best course of action, call 1-800-654-1949 or contact them online to set up a free consultation.