Hit and Run Accident Statistics

After a car accident, all drivers involved are expected to stop and remain at the accident scene to render medical aid and exchange information. While that does happen most of the time, not all drivers stop.

Many drivers flee the accident scene for a variety of reasons. They may not have insurance. They may be intoxicated. They may have a warrant for their arrest. Maybe they are illegal immigrants.

In any case, not stopping after an accident is a crime. Hit and run accidents affect 1 in 250 licensed drivers each year. A hit and run could increase your car insurance rates, even if you weren’t at fault. Many of these drivers are never caught, so if you lack the proper coverage, you could be on the hook for your damages.

Hit and run accidents are becoming a common occurrence in the United States. From 2018 to 2022, more than 4 million people were involved in these crashes. More than 12,000 of these incidents led to fatalities, but that accounts for less than 1% of hit and run accidents. However, nearly three-quarters of these crashes involved property damage only.

Tennessee has one of the highest rates of fatal hit and run crashes, at 1.42 per 100,000 residents. Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona also lead the states for the highest rates.

Some states have more hit and run accidents than others. Most of the people killed in these crashes are pedestrians, as they are not protected by the body of a car.

Environmental factors such as lighting and general surveillance can affect the likelihood of hit and run accidents. Areas with less lighting have more car accidents in general. In general, areas that have heavy traffic and more surveillance have fewer hit and run accidents than darker, more private areas.

Age is also a factor. In 2022, the majority of drivers involved in hit and run accidents were between the ages of 25 and 64. However, young drivers are also disproportionately involved in hit and run accidents. In 2022, drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 accounted for 22% of hit and run accidents, even though this age group represented just 11% of licensed drivers.

Gender is another factor. In 2022, male drivers were involved in 58% of hit and run accidents. The other 42% were female drivers.

Contact Us Today

A childhood accident can leave children injured and parents upset. If someone else was to blame, make sure they are held liable for your child’s damages.

A Mt. Juliet car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can assist you after a crash. From common accident types and injury risks to high-risk roads and possible compensation, knowing what to do after a crash can make a significant difference. Count on us to guide you through the process. To schedule a consultation, call (615) 622-6060 or fill out the online form.

Source:

autoinsurance.com/research/hit-and-run/