Injuries after a Hit-and-Run Accident
A hit-and-run car accident can be devastating for the victims of these crimes. National government statistics indicate that approximately eleven percent of all vehicle accidents are hit and run car accidents. This equates to nearly 700,000 hit-and-run car accident cases yearly in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the hit and run car accident rate has increased by fifteen percent since 2018 nationwide. In some states, like California, the rate of increase for hit and run car accident cases is even greater.
Whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, it’s important to recognize the most common injuries in such accidents. In this post, we will examine the five most common injuries that result from hit-and-run accidents. We will explore each injury’s symptoms, treatment, and recovery time so you better understand what to expect and how to get the care you need.
Hit and Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can be a harrowing experience for anyone involved. They happen when a driver causes an accident and then leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or assist those involved. These accidents can leave victims feeling helpless, traumatized, and dealing with physical injuries.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are rising in many parts of the world. For example, the number of hit-and-run fatalities in the United States has increased by over 60% since 2009. The reasons for these incidents vary, ranging from drunk driving, reckless driving, and distracted driving, to drivers who are uninsured, unlicensed, or have outstanding warrants.
The consequences of a hit-and-run accident can be severe, both physically and emotionally. It’s common for victims to suffer from various injuries, from cuts and bruises to broken bones and brain injuries. In many cases, the injuries sustained can be life-changing and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Failure to Stop
A hit-and-run car accident is a party’s failure to stop after an accident. When a person is involved in a hit-and-run car accident, they are legally required to stop and exchange pertinent information with all other involved parties. If a hit-and-run car accident occurs without witnesses, the person must stop and leave a note including all relevant information. This requirement is not considered an infringement upon a person’s right not to self-incriminate because it is considered a report rather than an admission of guilt.
What are the consequences of hit-and-run accidents?
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, they are breaking the law and leaving the victim without immediate medical attention. This delay in treatment can worsen the severity of injuries sustained in the accident.
The victim may be left with emotional trauma and financial burden due to medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. The consequences for the driver can be equally severe, including fines, license suspension or revocation, and even jail time.
Furthermore, hit-and-run accidents can have a long-lasting impact on the victim’s quality of life. The injuries can range from minor bruises and cuts to more serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and physical therapy, sometimes leading to permanent disabilities.
Common injuries after a hit-and-run accident
Hit-and-run accidents can be very traumatic and can cause a wide variety of injuries. The most common injuries victims sustain after a hit-and-run accident are head, neck, back, broken bones, and internal injuries.
- Head injuries can range from minor concussions to more serious traumatic brain injuries, leading to long-term cognitive issues.
- Neck injuries like whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Back injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord injuries, can result in chronic pain and even paralysis.
- Broken bones are also common after a hit-and-run accident, with victims often experiencing fractures in their arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can be very painful and require extensive medical treatment.
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, so seeking medical attention after any hit-and-run accident is important, even if you feel fine.
It is important to note that the severity of these injuries can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the accident, the speed of the vehicles involved, and the age and health of the victim. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and contact a personal injury lawyer to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Head injuries and concussions
Head injuries and concussions are among the most serious and common injuries after a hit-and-run accident. These types of injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, seriously affecting a person’s health and well-being.
Symptoms of a concussion or head injury can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms after a hit-and-run accident, as delayed treatment can lead to further complications.
Head injuries and concussions can sometimes require extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation. This can be costly and time-consuming and significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are the most severe injuries after a hit-and-run accident. A hit-and-run accident can cause a sudden and severe jolt to the body, which can damage the spinal cord. This can lead to serious, long-lasting complications affecting a person’s mobility, strength, and overall quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms can vary depending on the location and extent of the injury. Some of the most common symptoms of a spinal cord injury include loss of movement, sensation, difficulty breathing, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Broken bones
Broken bones are a common injury after a hit-and-run accident. The force of the impact can cause the bones to fracture or break, and the severity of the injury can vary depending on the location and type of bone affected. The most commonly broken bones after a hit-and-run accident are the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone.
In some cases, broken bones can cause long-term complications, such as chronic pain, limited mobility, and even permanent disability. Treatment for broken bones usually involves immobilizing the affected limb using a cast or brace, along with pain relief medication and physical therapy to help restore strength and mobility.
Psychological Injuries
After a hit-and-run accident, it is not just physical injuries that victims have to worry about. Psychological injuries are also a common problem and can significantly impact the victim’s life. Psychological injuries can manifest as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a fear of driving or being in a car again.
The psychological impact of a hit-and-run accident can be long-lasting and may require professional help to overcome. Victims may experience flashbacks or nightmares of the accident and may feel anxious or stressed when they are near the location of the accident or even in a car. Psychological injuries can also impact the victim’s ability to work or engage in social activities, leading to a loss of income and quality of life.
It is important that victims seek help for any psychological injuries they may have sustained after a hit-and-run accident. This may include therapy, medication, or other treatments that can help them overcome their anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Victims may also benefit from joining support groups where they can talk to other people who have experienced similar traumatic events.
Call Police
If you find yourself the victim of a hit and run car accident, it is important to know what to do in order to protect your interests. Immediately following a hit-and-run car accident it is important to assess any physical injury that may have been caused in the accident. The police should be called to the scene immediately. All known information about the hit and run car accident perpetrator should be written down and included in the police report. All witnesses to the hit and run car accident should be identified and asked to report any helpful information they can provide.
Insurance
After a hit and run car accident, the victim may be faced with physical and/or property damage losses. These may or may not be covered by a hit and run car accident victim’s insurance company. Some insurance policies do not cover damages that involve an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run car accident motorist. Many plans do have coverage for hit and run car accident losses, and it is important to know whether or not your plan includes these types of accidents.
Offender
Law enforcement officials will work to the full extent to track down the hit and run car accident offenders. A suspected offender may be required to come to the police station with their vehicle to make a statement. The punishment for a hit and run car accident will depend on the state where the accident took place, the extent of damage that resulted, an offender’s cooperation with authorities, and the offender’s past criminal history. A hit and run car accident perpetrator may receive civil and criminal penalties that may include any or all of the following: compensatory fines, punitive fines, loss or suspension of driver’s license, insurance and DMV points, loss of insurance coverage, or driving privileges, probation, and jail time. Hit and run car accident penalties can be enhanced under many circumstances.
If you have been involved in a hit and run car accident, an experienced accident attorney can advise you on how to proceed to protect and maximize your legal rights and interests.
Advice for Accident Victims
In conclusion, being involved in a hit-and-run accident is a traumatic and life-changing event. It’s important to seek medical attention and immediately report the incident to the authorities. Even if you feel fine, getting checked out by a medical professional is important, as some injuries may not develop symptoms until later.
Taking care of yourself and your mental health after an accident is important. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed. It’s common to experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic event.
If you have been a hit-and-run accident victim, it’s important to remember that you have legal rights. Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for compensation.