Under Mississippi law, when you have been involved in an accident, you must stop at the scene of the accident and exchange information with the driver of the other vehicle or the owner of the property that was damaged. It is a criminal offense to flee the scene of an accident.
Despite clear Mississippi laws in place, hit and run accidents can and do occur with alarming regularity. A hit and run accident happens when the driver flees the scene of the accident. When the driver takes off, this leaves the victim of the accident often wondering how their medical bills will be paid or their car repaired. While being involved in a hit and run may make your recovery more complex, it is important that hit and run accident victims understand they do have avenues for recovery and can often experience a complete compensation.
Types of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents can occur in a variety of ways. The most obvious is when a vehicle strikes your vehicle and the driver flees the scene of the accident. Often, hit and run accidents of this nature involve intoxicated drivers who flee the scene to avoid arrest for driving while under the influence. Sometimes, drunk drivers can even be so inebriated they fail to realize they have been involved in an accident. A hit and run accident can also involve a pedestrian or bicycle rider. When a driver hits either of these categories of victims, then leaves the scene of the accident, it will be considered a hit and run.
Hit and run accidents can additionally occur even no physical conduct has been involved in the accident. For instances, when one car causes another to crash into another object or a bicyclist to swerve off the road and hit an obstacle, this will be deemed a hit and run even though the fleeing driver’s vehicle never came into contact with anything.
Recovering from a Hit and Run Accident
When a hit and run accident occurs, the police and other law enforcement will attempt to uncover the identity of the fleeing driver. This can often be accomplished through your testimony, witness testimony, and traffic cameras. At times, the driver will later turn themselves in, particularly if alcohol was involved in the initial accident but the driver has since sobered.
If the driver is found, he or she will be liable in a personal injury suit for not only all of your compensable damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but could face punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are inflicted to prevent the hit and run driver and others like him or her from engaging in such conduct. Punitive damages can be substantial.
If the driver cannot be located, victims of hit and run accidents can generally recover through their insurance policies. Drivers in Mississippi can seek compensation under their uninsured/uninsured motorist policy.
Giddens Law Firm, P.A.: Offering Experienced Representation to Hit and Run Accident Victims
The Mississippi Automobile Accident Lawyers at Giddens Law Firm, P.A. urge anyone who has been injured in hit and run accident or any other sort of vehicle related crash to contact us for assistance. Our experienced automobile accident attorneys understand the special issues involved in a hit and run crash. Using our breadth of knowledge, we will guide you through the legal process to a full recovery. Our case reviews are always free and confidential. Call us today at (601) 355-2022 to see how one of our skilled auto accident attorneys can help you.