A hit-and-run in Connecticut is a serious offense. The state has strict laws in place against fleeing the scene of an accident. Despite taking measures to deter this behavior, hit-and-run car accidents are becoming more frequent, not just in Connecticut but also nationwide.

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Connecticut or witness one, knowing how to react will help you be more prepared. There's a few specific steps you need to take, which we will cover in the information below.

However, it's important to remember that if you are involved in and/or injured in a hit-and-run, seek legal counsel so you can fully understand your rights and the options you could have to recover compensation for your losses. A reputable Connecticut car accident lawyer such as Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney At Law, can walk you through the entire process. Never go into a legal situation without a professional who can guide you.

Brandon J. Broderick is here for you. Contact us with any questions, night or day.

What is a Hit and Run?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a vehicle impacts another vehicle, a person, or property and then speeds off without the at-fault party providing their insurance information or a method to be reached.

This could include:

• Someone hitting a car in parking lot and leaving.
• A driver hits you after running a stop sign, speeds off.
• A car hits a retaining wall of your yard or your fence and flees.
• You are hit in a crosswalk and the vehicle fails to stop and doesn't return.

These are all illustrations of hit-and-run incidents. In a typical vehicle accident, the parties involved exchange contact information, license information, and insurance company information. However, in a hit-and-run accident, one of the drivers flees the scene without giving you any details. They don't even pause to check to see if they've killed someone.

About 11% of all auto accidents nationwide involve hit-and-runs, according to AAA. Connecticut registered 148 hit-and-run incidents between 2006 and 2016, with at least one fatality. The state's laws are strict, due to the potential severity of these accidents.

Filing a Hit and Run Report In Connecticut

If you want to receive any compensation following a hit-and-run accident, you must file an official police record. After the incident, call the police as quickly as you can. A police officer will be able to record and officially document all the information about the accident and any data you may know about the driver who struck you. From there, police may keep an eye out for the car and possibly apprehend the driver if they are still on the road.

In the event of a hit-and-run, always stay at the scene. Even though it can be tempting to go after the fleeing driver, your safety comes first. You never know why a driver might leave the scene; they might be a dangerous person with whom you don't want to come into contact. Leave it to the police to apprehend the culprit.

Follow These Steps After The Hit and Run Accident

Being the victim of a hit-and-run can be stressful, but being prepared may make you feel more in control of the situation. Here are actions you should think about taking if you were a party to a hit-and-run in Connecticut.

• Call 911 if you or someone else is injured. If necessary, dial 911 and inform the operator that you require an ambulance.

• Move your car away from danger. It is necessary to remain at the scene of the accident, but you have to think about your safety first. This is especially true if you are obstructing traffic. If your car can still be driven, you should move it to a nearby parking lot or shoulder.

• Report it to the police. If you've already called for medical help, the police may already be en route. Even if there are no injuries, however, contacting the police and filing a report can be useful for gathering information and may help law enforcement find the person who was at fault.

• Take photos of any accident-related damage to your vehicle as soon as you and it are safely out of the way of traffic. When filing an insurance claim, photos can be beneficial.

• File a claim with your insurance company. You must get in touch with your insurer if you wish to make a claim on your own policy for injuries or medical costs resulting from the hit-and-run.

Hit-and-Run Laws in Connecticut

It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident without exchanging insurance information, as stated in Connecticut statute section 14-224. The laws state that a driver may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances of the accident.

In Connecticut, a misdemeanor carries a maximum one-year prison sentence and a maximum $600 fine. Contrarily, a felony could result in up to ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine for the hit and run driver.

Will Your Insurance Cover a Hit And Run?

There is no such thing as hit-and-run insurance, but there are several forms of coverage that could be useful in a situation involving a hit and run driver.

• Collision: A comprehensive coverage policy includes collision coverage, which is intended to cover damages to your car regardless of who caused the accident. However, there is usually a deductible associated with this coverage.

• Medical coverage: This insurance coverage is usually optional and covers you and your passengers' medical expenses up to your policy limit. It doesn't take into account who is at fault.

• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: This is coverage that is actually required in the state of Connecticut. Uninsured and underinsured coverage may assist in covering your medical expenses if the at-fault driver is discovered to not have insurance or with insufficient coverage to cover all your losses.

Consult With a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer

If the driver who struck you is found, you might be able to file a claim against them. Your auto insurance policy can provide coverage for hit-and-run losses even if the driver is never located. It's important to keep in mind that you should never contact your insurance company before speaking with a knowledgeable Connecticut car accident lawyer, such as our team at Brandon J. Broderick.

Our team of lawyers can assist you in ensuring that you receive the full compensation from your insurance company or the insurance company of the other driver. We can make all the difference in the outcome of your case, regardless of whether you decide to file a lawsuit against the driver or require assistance negotiating a reasonable settlement with your own insurance carrier.

Contact us right away to arrange your no-cost consultation and let's get started to turn the situation into your favor.