It is truly tragic when parents lose a young child, especially when it is at the hands of a hit-and-run driver, as we discussed in our Monday blog. The latest data from the U.S. Department of Transportation says that almost one in five pedestrians killed on America’s roads is the victim of a hit-and-run accident. In America’s larger cities, hit-and-run accidents are so common that they receive little or no media attention.
The suspect arrested in the incident we discussed on Monday did not have a driver’s license. Not having a valid license is a common reason why drivers flee the scene of an accident. Drivers would rather flee the scene than explain to an officer why they are driving without a license. A report by AAA found that unlicensed drivers are over 65 percent more likely to be a hit-and-run driver when compared to a licensed driver.
Some drivers are illegal immigrants and an arrest for driving without a license could mean deportation. Intoxicated drivers usually flee the scene in an effort to escape a DUI charge. Other drivers simply refuse to take responsibility for their negligence.
Whatever the reason, you have legal rights if you suffer injury from a hit-and-run driver. Call our office at 504-522-7885 if you would like a free case review with a personal injury attorney. Also, visit our website for more information about how we assist our personal injury clients.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans injury lawyers