Fatal Hit-and-Runs Reach Record High

May 08,2018

Hit-and-run deaths have hit a record high in the U.S., according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. More than one hit-and-run occurs every minute in the U.S., and in 2016, 2,049 people were killed in hit-and-run crashes. That is the highest number of hit-and-run deaths on record. It also represents a 60% increase since 2009.

Nearly 70% of victims of fatal hit-and-runs are pedestrians and bicyclists. Additionally, nearly 20% of all pedestrian deaths in the last decade have been related to hit-and-run crashes, compared with only 1% of driver fatalities.

AAA is reminding drivers of their legal and moral obligation to remain at the scene if they are involved in a crash. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in much more severe consequences, including fines, loss of license and even jail time.

Drivers who are involved in a crash should remain at the scene and do the following:

Check on the other party involved in the crash and offer assistance.
Call 911 as soon as possible.
Make the accident scene visible to other drivers. Move the vehicles out of the path of traffic, if possible. Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights, and utilize flares if available.
Cooperate with the authorities during their investigation.

“This upward trend in fatal hit-and-runs is disturbing. There is no excuse for this behavior,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.