How Do Police Look Into Hit-And-Run Incidents?
A hit-and-run crash can be extremely terrifying for victims and their families. Regardless of whether the accident was serious or minor, the fact that someone left the scene of the incident can make it difficult to find out who is at fault and who will be held accountable for the damages.
(Looking for a “rear-end collision auto accident lawyer“? Contact us Today!)
The first thing to do after a hit-and-run is to call the police as soon as possible. This will give the police a chance to assess the scene of the accident and determine what needs to be done next. It’s also important to take photographs of the accident scene, including the other driver and their car.
If there are injuries, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns are all potentially dangerous and need to be treated quickly. These types of injuries often require surgery or even hospitalization.
Taking notes of any physical details of the other car and driver can help police officers find out who caused the accident. They will want to know the color, make, model, and license plate number of the car that was involved in the hit-and-run.
Another thing that the police may consider is the reason the other driver left the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident can have negative consequences for a person’s driving record and insurance rates. Some drivers might flee the scene if they are under the influence, have outstanding warrants, or fear that the police might arrest them.
Aside from being able to get detailed information on the other vehicle and driver, it is also important to gather witness testimonies from anyone who was near the accident. These testimonies can help police find out who hit the victim and why they ran.
In addition to witness testimonies, law enforcement agencies also use video surveillance as well as other sources of evidence in hit-and-run cases. Aside from being more accurate than a witness’s memory, this footage can show how a driver came to leave the scene of the accident.
Depending on the severity of the hit-and-run, police can pursue criminal charges against the driver who fled the scene of the accident. These charges can include a hefty fine, short-term imprisonment, and revocation of their driver’s license.
However, the outcome of a criminal case is highly dependent on the laws of the state where the crime took place. Some states have more stringent laws on minor hit-and-runs, while others are more lenient.
The length of time that it takes for the police to resolve a hit-and-run incident will depend on a variety of factors, such as how busy the police department is and how many hit-and-run cases are open at the same time. The more severe the case is, the longer it will take to get a decision.
If the other driver is not found, it could take the police several days or weeks to locate them. Fortunately, they will keep in touch with you through the entire process to let you know how things are going.