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Hit and run accidents are a troubling phenomenon, leaving victims in distress and complicating legal procedures.
When someone is injured in a hit and run accident, they tend to be helpless, not knowing the way forward or how to get justice.
Understanding the motivations behind such actions can shed light on this behavior and help authorities address the issue better.
Below are six common reasons drivers may flee from the accident scene
Fear of Legal Consequences
One of the primary reasons drivers flee an accident site is the fear of the legal repercussions.
This can involve worries about being arrested, fined, or even imprisoned, especially if the motorist commits crimes like driving while intoxicated, speeding, or operating a car without a valid license.
Drivers may panic and think that the only way to escape punishment immediately is to flee. What they don’t know is that this act only makes matters worse for them.
Lack of Insurance or Licensing
Unlicensed or uninsured drivers typically run away to avoid the financial and legal responsibilities that an accident brings.
If discovered at the scene without the required paperwork, they could face severe penalties, legal action, or even criminal prosecution. Significant financial liabilities for accident-related damages can also result from inadequate insurance coverage.
Intoxication
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment. This is also a reason why a majority of drivers who flee the accident scene were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the accident occurred.
They do this due to the fear of being subjected to sobriety tests and facing DUI charges. Additionally, substance abuse may impair their judgment of how serious the incident was. And being caught with drugs has serious repercussions, especially if the driver happens to be an immigrant or on parole.
Prior Criminal Records
People with past legal problems, such as unresolved warrants or parole infractions, could run away to escape more trouble with the authorities. Because of their past, they are especially wary of dealing with the authorities, which makes them want to flee rather than come under more attention.
Psychological Factors
Accidents can have a psychological influence that causes people to make quick decisions. Drivers who are shocked, anxious, or feeling guilty may leave the accident scene without thinking about the repercussions.
Sometimes, mental health conditions like PTSD or excessive stress make it difficult for them to handle the situation responsibly.
Driving Stolen or Unregistered Vehicles
Drivers operating stolen vehicles or unregistered cars have clear motives to evade detection. Therefore, they will always end up overspeeding to avoid getting caught.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States, with over 12,000 deaths reported in 2022 alone. Remaining at the scene would reveal their illegal actions and lead to further criminal charges on top of the accident-related ones.
For victims of hit and run incidents, obtaining justice and compensation can be extremely difficult. These activities usually not only injure the victims physically but also cause them to suffer financially and psychologically.
Legal Implications
Drivers who cause an accident and leave the scene may have to deal with serious legal repercussions.
Many states have laws that make it mandatory for drivers who’re involved in accidents to stay at the scene, provide assistance, if necessary, and exchange information, including insurance details. Noncompliance may lead to felony charges, fines, and jail time, depending on the specifics of the accident.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the reasons behind why some drivers escape the accident scene identifies important areas for action, whether through increased traffic enforcement or public awareness initiatives that target these behaviors. By proactively addressing these motivations, authorities can reduce hit and run accidents and guarantee victim justice.
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