With Hit-and-Runs on the Rise, Know Your Rights THESE OCCUR EVERY 43 SECONDS IN THE US
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run If you ever experience a hit-and-run, there are a few steps you need to take to better locate the other driver and recover compensation: • If possible, take note of the other driver and the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number. If you can’t remember them, try to take a picture with your phone. • Also note any particular characteristics of the car and driver, such as their appearance, unique bumper stickers, etc. • Stay at the scene and never try to chase down the other driver. • Call the police so they can file an official report. Exchange contact information with any witnesses. • Check if nearby security cameras recorded the accident. • Always seek medical attention after an accident. Even if you don’t feel pain in the moment, you could have an injury that you need on record to support your case. If Injured, Call an Attorney Given that nearly 1 in 5 wrecks involves a hit-and-run driver, it is IMPERATIVE that you purchase substantial uninsured motorist coverage. Often, your uninsured motorist coverage or other insurance type can help cover the damages resulting from a hit- and-run. Yet, you should contact a personal injury attorney to help build your case if you are facing severe and costly injuries. An attorney can help not only to complete an investigation to find the other driver and hold them accountable but can also help to uncover more uninsured motorist
Most of us could never imagine abandoning the scene of a car accident, yet these collisions happen every single day across the country. The American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation has revealed that there is a hit-and-run wreck every 43 seconds in the United States. As for New Mexico specifically, the state Department of Transportation shared that in 2021 alone, there were 7,788 hit-and-run crashes — a staggering 19.1% (nearly 1 in 5) of all wrecks in New Mexico! While we hope you never experience a hit-and-run, you should be prepared to know exactly what to do if the time comes. Getting the justice you deserve isn’t a lost cause because the driver flees the scene. What counts as a hit-and-run? New Mexico law clearly defines what a driver is legally obligated to do after a crash. According to New Mexico Statutes 66-7- 202, a driver must do the following:
• They must stop at the scene to provide their: » Name » Address » Phone number » Vehicle identification number » Insurance details
• If a driver is injured, the driver of the other vehicle must call for medical assistance or transport the injured person to the nearest hospital. • If damage is caused to a vehicle, but the
driver isn’t present, they must leave a note with all of their contact details and insurance information.
coverage that you do not realize you may have. The attorneys at Parnall Law excel in finding all coverage that you have been paying for to protect you in just this situation (and we also have three retired police officers to help investigate these crimes). If you or someone you know has experienced a hit-and-run collision, call the Parnall Law team at 505-268-6500 . We can help you receive justice, no matter what.
If a driver leaves the scene without doing any of these requirements, they’ve committed a hit-and-run. Anyone who commits a hit-and-run is subject to hefty fines and even jail time. Yet, if the driver is never located, the victims don’t need to take the brunt of the damage.
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
2 | 505-268-6500 | 2155 Louisiana Blvd NE #8000, Albuquerque, NM 87110
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator