Even a relatively minor car accident can be overwhelming, even frightening. What’s even scarier is being left alone to fend for yourself after a crash due to a hit-and-run driver. Coping with the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash can be stressful and costly, but a knowledgeable accident lawyer can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
North Dakota Hit-and-Run Laws
North Dakota law requires all motorists involved in collisions to immediately stop, render aid as necessary, and exchange their contact and insurance information. A hit-and-run accident occurs when one or more parties involved in an accident fail to fulfill these legal obligations.
Leaving the scene of an accident doesn’t just cause a headache for the other people involved. It is illegal and can carry criminal consequences. A property damage-only hit-and-run is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine. However, hit-and-run accidents that involve serious injuries or fatalities can increase to Class C or Class B felony offenses, which carry significant fines and prison time.
Hit-and-Run Challenges and Seeking Justice
Unfortunately, most hit-and-run offenders flee the accident scene for a reason. Sometimes, the anxiety over causing an accident is so intense that they fear the repercussions of their actions and leave the scene without stopping to think. The most common reasons why drivers hit and run include:
- They are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- They are driving without appropriate insurance
- They have active warrants for their arrest
- They have illegal weapons or drugs in their vehicles
- They are driving with suspended licenses
- They cause collisions that result in severe injuries or fatalities
Identifying a hit-and-run driver can be challenging, but lawyers have several strategies to help with this process. They can gather and analyze evidence from the scene, such as traffic camera footage, dashcam videos, and security cameras from nearby businesses or homes that might have captured the incident. They might also work with law enforcement to examine physical evidence, such as tire marks, which could provide clues about the type of car involved.
Another key strategy is to seek out witnesses who might have seen the accident or the fleeing vehicle. Lawyers can use social media or neighborhood forums to reach out to potential witnesses. Furthermore, attorneys can use license plate recognition technology to track down vehicles matching the description of the one involved in the hit-and-run. With these strategies, a lawyer can increase the chances of identifying the driver and holding them accountable.
Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident
North Dakota is a no-fault car insurance state. This means crash victims must turn to their own insurance policies as their first sources of coverage after an accident, no matter who caused the accident. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your medical expenses and help you recover financially after a hit-and-run incident.
If law enforcement or your attorney uncovers the identity of the hit-and-run driver, you could have other options for seeking compensation, like filing a personal injury claim against the driver. With this type of third-party claim, you could recover additional compensation.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be entitled to money for your:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Income losses
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
- Property damage
Let a Seasoned North Dakota Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Fight for You
You have enough to worry about after a hit-and-run accident. Let an experienced North Dakota injury lawyer advocate for you and manage your claim on your behalf. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we proudly represent North Dakota accident victims, working diligently to recover the money they need to move forward with their lives. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and learn more.
