Scary Hit-and-Run Statistics
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is one of the worst events that any driver can experience. While any accident resulting in damage or injury is already bad enough, one in which the perpetrator leaves the scene can cause confusion, anger, and even more inconvenience than a “normal” accident, not to mention how such an event can alter how you’ll be dealing with your insurance company as you attempt to recover from your damage and injuries.
There are several reasons why a person might be involved in an accident and then take off. Things, like driving on a suspended license, driving drunk, or lacking vehicle insurance, could leave people feeling panicked if they’re at fault in striking another vehicle. Other reasons include driving a stolen car, driving an automobile without the owner’s permission, or wanting to avoid getting in trouble when driving a company car or a parent’s vehicle. Basically, these people are trying to get away with something. Of course, many people don’t think about the fact that punishments for leaving the scene of an accident are quite severe, so they’re often taking a much bigger risk.
While hit-and-run accidents might not be a full-blown epidemic in this country, they happen with a lot more regularity than most people seem to realize. Actually, come to think of it, maybe they are an epidemic. In fact, to illustrate how severe this issue is becoming, we’ve compiled some scary hit-and-run statistics. Hold onto your hats – it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!
Hit-and-Run Deaths Increased by 60% Between 2009 and 2016
Streets all across America can be dangerous when people aren’t paying attention to the road or are driving erratically, but when it comes to hit-and-run accidents, things are getting even worse. According to roadside-assistance company AAA, hit-and-run deaths increased by 60 percent from 2009 to 2016. This doesn’t bode well for traffic safety.
65 Percent of Those Fatalities Were Pedestrians and Bicyclists
The same report by AAA that is mentioned above shows that a whopping 65 percent of hit-and-run fatalities consisted of pedestrians and bicyclists. Given the fact that Colorado is such a popular hotspot for outdoor activities, this statistic is especially alarming, to say the least.
Colorado Is Ranked 23rd – and That’s Good News!
As of April of this year, Colorado ranked 23rd for the number of hit-and-run deaths in the United States. This may sound bad, which it is, but only a few years back, the state had ranked #10. We still have a long way to go, however.
Denver Was Averaging 18 Hit-and-Runs Per Day in 2017
Although Colorado has been seeing improvements this year in terms of the ranking mentioned above, the years prior to this have looked bleak. In 2017, for instance, a total of 4,676 hit-and-run accidents had been reported by mid-September, an average of 18 per day up until that point.
Up to 90% of Hit-and-Run Accidents Result in No Punishment
The most disturbing thing about being involved in a hit-and-run accident aside from their regularity is the likelihood that the perpetrator won’t be punished. In San Diego, for example, it’s estimated that nine out of ten such accidents result in no punishment. And those that do typically result in less than two months of jail time.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you need the assistance of an attorney who has experience in getting compensation for hit-and-run victims. The professionals at Mintz Law Firm know exactly what it is needed to properly navigate through these types of precarious situations so that you can come out on top. Give us a call today and we’ll set you up with a free case evaluation with a Denver hit and run accident lawyer.