Drivers in Maryland are required to learn about the law before they can get their licenses. Motorists are largely aware of the legal obligation to notify local law enforcement authorities if a collision ever occurs. Crashes that produce significant property damage or injuries to people require an official police report.
Officers investigate the scene of the crash and determine who may be at fault. They can arrest drivers or issue citations based on their understanding of the circumstances. Some people desperately want to avoid responsibility after causing a crash. They may lie to the police about their behavior in some cases.
Other times, they may try to drive away from the scene of the crash to avoid personal responsibility. A hit-and-run crash occurs when one of the motorists involved in a collision leaves the scene without identifying themselves or communicating with law enforcement professionals. What rights do those involved in hit-and-run collisions have after this kind of crash?
The right to file a report
Contacting local law enforcement is of the utmost importance after a hit-and-run collision. The people affected by the crash may need to start gathering evidence as soon as possible. They can use their phones or devices owned by witnesses to take pictures and capture video footage of the scene of the craft.
Doing so can help establish that they were not the party at fault for the wreck. That can help them as the crash investigation proceeds. In some cases, witnesses may be able to provide information that helps identify the party at fault for the crash. Other times, their testimony can clearly establish that the other driver who fled was the party at fault. That can be beneficial if police don’t identify the driver at fault for the wreck.
The right to request compensation
Those involved in crashes for which they are not at fault can often seek compensation from the party responsible for the collision. If officers can identify the driver at fault, an insurance claim might be possible.
If they don’t have proper insurance coverage, then the other people involved in the crash may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for the damages caused by the hit-and-run driver. If police officers cannot find the driver who caused the crash, the other driver involved may be able to file a claim against their own insurance policy.
Provided that they invested in uninsured motorist coverage, their policy can help pay for the cost that the other driver’s insurance should have covered. Uninsured motorist protection is crucial in such cases, as liability coverage does not apply to losses suffered by the policyholders in a crash caused by someone else.
Taking the right steps immediately after a hit-and-run collision can help people limit their losses. Drivers who know their rights may be able to obtain compensation for injury-related expenses and property damage losses.