Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog
Maryland hit and run accidents can be incredibly frustrating for accident victims and their loved ones. Hit and run accidents are accidents where the at-fault party, flees from the scene of the accident, usually by driving away before any identifying information can be collected. Like all car accidents, hit and run accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. In hit and run accidents, the chance may be higher because, if someone is seriously injured or trapped and unable to call for help themselves, they may rely on the other party to do so. If the other party leaves the scene, it may be a while before emergency services are called in to help the victim.
For an example of a hit and run, take a recent Maryland accident that occurred on November 1st of this year. According to a local news article, the crash occurred around 1:30 AM, when a 17-year-old girl who was attempting to cross the street was hit by an unknown vehicle in Howard County. The vehicle that hit her left the scene. The victim was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where she remained in critical condition until she tragically passed away.
Why Do Drivers Leave the Scene After an Accident?
When drivers run from the scene of a crash like this, their goal is usually to escape liability for the accident—particularly if they were intoxicated or someone was injured. However, by fleeing, drivers may find themselves in more trouble than if they had stayed at the scene. Maryland state law provides that leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in serious bodily injury is a felony, which may carry a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The punishments are worse when the accident results in a death—up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. In the case described above, the police are actively looking for the responsible driver, with a general idea of the type of car they are looking for and the damage likely on the vehicle. If and when the driver is identified, they may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability, and probably will be in a worse position than if they stayed at the scene.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Car Accident?
If you or someone close to you has recently been injured in a Maryland car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. If, due to the nature of the accident, you are not sure who is responsible, you may still be able to recover. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, LLC, to talk about your options. Our attorneys can discuss your options with you, the time-frame within which you have to file a suit, and the potential damages you could receive. If you decide to move forward, we can also help you with every step of the personal injury lawsuit. To learn more about our law firm, our services, and how we can assist you, call us today at 800-654-1949.