Waldorf Hit and Run Attorneys

Hit and run accidents result in thousands of injuries and fatalities annually across the nation. Due to the unfortunate nature of hit and run accidents, most victims or their families are never able to hold the at-fault driver accountable for the losses they have caused. Hit and run injury accident victims are usually left with serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, resulting in long-term medical costs, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and even lower quality of life.

The families of fatal hit and run victims may have to deal with those consequences in addition to funeral costs and loss of companionship. Although compensation may be available for injured victims and the families of fatal victims through the uninsured motorist coverage portion of their auto insurance policy, it may not be enough to cover all costs. Furthermore, even in a hit and run situation, the insurance company may look for any way to deny the uninsured motorist claim.

Hit and Run is Illegal in Maryland

There are a number of reasons why a driver would leave the scene of an accident. Most often, it is because he or she is afraid, does not have insurance, or is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. However, it is against the law regardless of the reason.

Maryland Transportation Code

According to Maryland Transportation code § 20-102, "The driver of each vehicle involved in an accident that results in bodily injury to another person immediately shall stop the vehicle as close as possible to the scene of the accident without obstructing traffic more than necessary." This also applies to any driver who is involved in an accident that causes death. Not only is the driver required to immediately stop, but is also required to stay as long as it takes to comply with § 20-104, which refers to a driver's duty to give information and render aid.

Hit and Run Penalties

A violation of Maryland's hit and run law constitutes a felony; however, the severity of the sentence depends on the severity of the crash. If a person is convicted of causing an accident that results in serious bodily injury, and he or she knew or reasonably should have known that that would be the result, they are considered guilty of a felony and could be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years in prison and/or fined a maximum of $5,000. If the driver is convicted in the Maryland hit and run crash caused another's death, he or she is guilty of a felony and can be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or fined a maximum of $10,000. If the hit and run driver is identified, the injured victim or family of the fatal victim have the right to pursue restitution in civil court, even if the driver is also brought up on criminal charges.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

Recovering from a serious injury or the loss of a loved one after a hit and run accident in Maryland can be very difficult. Not only is it likely that you won't be able to identify the at-fault driver to hold them liable, your insurance company may do all it can to avoid paying on the uninsured motorist claim. At Alpert Schreyer, our experienced Waldorf car accident lawyers can work with your insurance company and with law enforcement to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (301) 932-9997 or (800) 489-1577 for a consultation.