DC Injury Lawyer Blog
When drivers leave the scene of an accident without rendering aid to an injured victim or exchanging information, they are committing a hit-and-run. Hit-and-run car accidents can lead to physical, emotional, and economic harm for the injured victim. The victim’s injuries may render them helpless to seek out medical treatment without outside assistance. In this scenario, if the accident solely involved the victim and the other driver, the victim’s best chance at life-saving medical treatment disappears from the scene. In Maryland, if a car accident results in physical injury, drivers who flee from the scene of the accident can face both civil and criminal penalties.
Recently, a motorcycle rider from D.C. died after a hit-and-run car accident in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. At around 4:30am, the driver collided with the motorcycle rider traveling in the eastbound lanes. Following the crash, the driver fled the area. The motorcycle rider was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the scene. Local police found the driver’s car, but they have yet to identify the driver.
What Penalties Do Hit-and-Run Drivers Face?
Under Maryland law, drivers involved in an accident that leads to injury or death must immediately stop their car and stay at the scene. Once they are stopped, drivers must render aid to anyone injured in the accident. This can include arrangements to transport the injured person to the hospital if requested. Failure to do so carries hefty fines or jail time. In addition to criminal punishment, drivers who flee from the scene of an accident may be on the hook for civil damages.
What Are the Consequences of a Hit-And-Run Accident?
Hit-and-runs can result in both physical and emotional harm to the victim. Finding themselves unable to leave and seek assistance, injured victims may feel helpless, fearing their injuries will grow more dire without immediate medical treatment. Consequently, a victim can suffer emotional distress right alongside their physical injuries. A victim’s emotional damage from a hit-and-run adds to the physical and economic burdens that can result from a more typical car accident. For example, an accident may result in thousands of dollars in damage to a victim’s car. Hit-and-runs can thus result in a uniquely devastating toll on victims or their loved ones. When seeking compensation for the heavy burden of a hit-and-run accident, an attorney can provide crucial help in both gathering evidence and fighting for the just compensation victims deserve.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries or died in a Maryland hit-and-run car accident, contact the dedicated attorneys at the Schupak Law Firm today. Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury cases and have diligently represented clients seeking damages after car accidents. In addition to car accidents, our firm handles other traffic accidents, along with medical malpractice, slip and falls, product liability, premises liability, nursing home and elder abuse, and wrongful death, among other practice areas. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney on our team, call our office at 240-833-3914.