Hit and run auto accidents are increasing
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of hit and run accidents have increased by 20% since 2000. In 2005, 974 pedestrians died as a result of hit and run accidents, which is nearly one fifth of the 4,881 pedestrians killed nationwide that year.
Drivers often flea the scene of an accident out of fear of facing the consequences of their actions. Those fears increase when drinking is involved and selfish concerns for their own interests outweighs their concern for the health of the pedestrian they hit.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety showed that 11% of car crashes with police reports involve drivers who hit and run. The majority of fatal hit-n-runs occur on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Approximately 47% of such auto accidents occur between 9pm and 3am.
For the police, these auto accidents are often difficult to solve. They usually occur at night, and frequently there are no witnesses. However, even if the driver of the vehicle is never identified, a qualified auto accident lawyer can often locate insurance coverage to provide compensation for the victim. Hit and run insurance coverage could be available through a personal policy, household policy or through a state fund for victims of such accidents.
