Nearly one in five pedestrians killed on America’s roadways is the victim of a hit-and-run crash, according to a major research report released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The report found that the southern part of the United States leads the nation in hit-and-run car crashes with over one million. In second place was the Midwest with over 835,000 hit-and-run crashes. In terms of damage, 80 percent of hit-and-run accidents cause vehicle damage only. As a result, property damage is a big factor alongside bodily injury.
In addition, young children and senior citizens are the most likely victims of a hit-and-run driver, according to the NHTSA. Overall, pedestrian fatalities account for 12 percent of all deaths related to car accidents in the United States. Among states with the highest fatality rates per 100,000, Louisiana ranks sixth.
One of the worst aspects of being a hit-and-run victim is that you have to deal with all of the expenses associated with your injuries if the law enforcement does not catch the driver. In most states, purchasing uninsured motorist coverage will cover the costs, since hit-and-run is essentially the same as an accident with an uninsured driver.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury lawyer