Hit and Run Accidents

Posted on May 8th, 2010 in General, Hit and run accidents by admin

 Hit and run accidents are serious crimes. As it is defined on one website, hit and run accidents are “the crime of colliding [a car] with a person, their personal property (including their motor vehicle), or a fixture, and failing to stop and identify oneself afterwards.” Aside from simply identifying oneself, however, it is also important to use one’s judgment after the collision has occurred. So, if a car collides with a pedestrian and the pedestrian is severely injured, the individual driving the car is required by law to pull the car over, stop it, step out of the car, and assist the pedestrian. If the pedestrian is severely injured and cannot function independently, the driver of the car must call the police.

In the United States, the penalties for hit and run accidents vary from state to state and based on the seriousness of the accident. If someone hits and kills a pedestrian and then flees the scene of a crime, the penalty will likely be more serious if somebody hits and dislocates a “Stop” sign and flees the scene.

Hit and run accidents may occur for a number of reason. The driver of the car may be intoxicated and realize what has just happened. Or, the driver may be scared of what has just happened and panic. Furthermore, the driver may not have auto insurance and cannot afford the costs associated with a collision. Also, the driver may not think the collision serious enough to warrant stopping. Regardless of the seriousness of the accident, however, it is necessary to stop and assess the damages of the collision.

Hit and run collision, though not prevalent, unfortunately still do occur. In December 2004, for example, there 110 hit and run fatalities (that does not included hit and run non-fatalities). Of those 110 fatalities, 53 were pedestrians, 22 were passengers in an automobile, 10 were bicyclists, 9 were drivers of a vehicle, 8 were outside of a disabled or stopped vehicle, 7 were motorcyclists, and 1 was unidentified (see: http://www.deadlyroads.com/dec2004-in-review.html).

As the statistics indicate, few hit and run accidents do occur. When they do occur, however, the individual hit by the car should identify any features of the automobile that stand out. Also, it is extremely important to identify the license plate of the car that has hit and fled the scene of the accident.

For more articles like this, bookmark www.PedestrianAccidentAttorneys.info

Author: Joseph Devine

 

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Pedestrian Accident Attornyes and How to Prevent Car Accidents & Pedestrian Injuries

Posted on April 21st, 2009 in Pedestrian Accident Information by admin

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys presents the following tips to help pedestrians and motorists alike avoid the pain and suffering that occurs with a pedestrian accident.  If you, or a loved one, has unfortunately already been a victim in a pedestrian accident you should contact a lawyer immediately.  You need to know your rights, and you should have legal representation to ensure that your rights are protected. 

Pedestrian Safety Tips & Safe Driving Tips for Everyone Be Safe & Be Seen!

Did you know that more than 5,000 pedestrians die each year in the United States because they are hit by motor vehicles or bicycles? To be safe when sharing sidewalks and streets, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. By taking simple precautions, you can prevent injuries and possible death.

Three of the most common accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians are caused when pedestrians make the following mistakes:

1) Cross a road not at the intersection (jaywalking).

2) Walk in the road, not the side of road.

3) Walk in the road in the same direction as moving vehicles.

To help prevent these accidents, follow these simple Pedestrian Safety Tips:

  • BE SEEN: Avoid common traffic dangers.
  • Wait for drivers to stop and make eye contact before crossing a street. Don’t assume they see you.
  • Cross at a corner or marked walkway, following traffic signals.
  • Sidewalks obviously are safer than roads, but watch for driveway traffic.
  • If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
  • Bicyclists should ride with the flow of traffic, preferably in marked lanes.
  • Look left-right-left before crossing any street, and keep looking until across.
  • Don’t start crossing if a red signal is blinking.
  • When crossing on a green light, watch in all directions for turning cars.
  • Put a safety flag on a wheelchair, motorized cart or stroller for visibility.

Sharing public spaces with vehicle traffic takes extra care and attention by everyone. When everyone is courteous and cautious, it’s safe to get around on foot, by bike, with skates, in wheelchairs or even via scooters. We all need to avoid risky situations, and when drivers follow these safety tips we all get where we’re going safely!

  • BE SAFE: Slow down, look, anticipate.
  • Careful driving starts when you turn the ignition key.
  • Driveways and parking areas are hazardous. Pull out slowly, watching on all sides for pedestrians or any passers-by.
  • In public garages, drive-through businesses and commercial lots, watch out for those on foot or two wheels. Look in each direction, especially when they are crossing sidewalks and marked paths.
  • Before turning right on red lights, drivers must stop fully.
  • Make sure no pedestrian, jogger, bicyclist or wheelchair user is crossing or waiting to cross. They have the right of way.
  • Motorists turning left on green lights also must yield to anyone crossing.

Author: Marya Sieminski

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marya_Sieminski

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