Hit and Run Accidents in New Hampshire

Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in New Hampshire

Being injured or losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident is very difficult and can be very traumatic, but it is much worse when the accident was caused by a hit and run driver. Hit and run accidents caused thousands of injuries and deaths in the U.S. every year and most of these victims or their families will not be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions. The nature of a hit and run takes that opportunity for justice away from injured victims and grieving family members.

Though not impossible, it is unlikely that a hit and run driver will be identified, leaving a hit and run victim only one avenue of compensation: their uninsured motorist coverage of their automobile or motorcycle insurance policy. This poses other problems, however. Insurance companies are notorious for giving claimants the run around in order to avoid paying out on claims, even when they're legitimate. If a hit and run victim does manage to meet all of the insurance companies requirements for a hit and run accident, it is still possible that the coverage amount is not enough to cover all of the victim's losses. This is where an experienced hit and run car accident lawyer comes in.

NH Hit and Run Law

Hit and run is a crime in New Hampshire as well as every other state across the nation. According to RSA 264:25 of New Hampshire's Statutes, "[the] driver of a vehicle who knows or should have known that he or she has just been involved in any accident which resulted in death, personal injury or damages to property, shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident..." Violating this law is a class B felony and subject to criminal prosecution. If the driver is indeed found, they will also be subject to civil action.

Causes of Hit and Run Accidents

There are many reasons why a driver may flee the scene of an accident, none of which are excusable. Regardless of why the accident occurred in the first place, be it driver distraction or inattention or even driving under the influence, the most common reason is usually fear. A driver who causes an accident may panic and leave the scene because they are afraid of what they have done and/or what will happen to them if they are caught. This is not an acceptable reason to leave the scene of an accident, especially one that caused injury or death to an innocent person.