Earlier this month, the Foundation for Traffic Safety released the findings of a study regarding the frequency of hit-and-run collisions in the United States. The Foundation compiled crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) reporting systems. The study shines a light on the unpleasant fact that California hit-and-run accidents occur much more frequently than most people believe.
The Methodology and Results of the Study
The Foundation analyzed the NHTSA’s systems, containing data about all reported motor vehicle accidents occurring on public roadways and resulting in a death within 30 days of the accident.
The study revealed that in 2016 alone, there were 1,980 hit-and-run accidents across the country. These accidents resulted in over 2,000 fatalities. It was noted that this was the highest number of hit-and-run fatalities since the NHSTA began keeping records on fatalities in 1975.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
An accident is considered a hit-and-run when one party involved in the accident leaves the scene of the accident without offering any (or enough) information, aid, or assistance to the other party. Hit-and-run accidents not only open the door for civil lawsuits but also are considered a criminal offense in California.
Victim, Driver, and Crash Commonalities in Hit-and-Run Accidents
The above-mentioned study found that pedestrians are the most likely type of person to be killed in a hit-and-run accident. Interestingly, the study also found that the victim’s age was a factor in whether a driver fled the scene of an accident. Sadly, children less than six years old and elderly people over 80 years old were found to be the most likely victims of a hit-and-run accident.
Certain locations, roadway shapes, and lighting were found to be associated with a higher likelihood of a hit-and-run. The study found that better visibility and highly trafficked locations seemed to result in fewer hit-and-run accidents. Conversely, areas with more pedestrians increased the likelihood of a hit-and-run accident. Motorists on undivided roadways have an increased chance of being involved in a hit-and-run crash. Municipal roads and interstate highways in California were more commonly the scene of hit-and-run accidents.
The study notes that half of all hit-and-run drivers are not identified. As a result, the researchers found it difficult to compile statistically significant data on driver characteristics. However, they did find that many drivers were young males with a history of license suspensions and previous DUI convictions.
Have You Been Injured in a California Hit-and-Run Accident?
The current research suggests that a hit-and-run crash occurs about every 43 seconds in the United States. If you or a loved one has been injured in a California hit-and-run accident, you should contact the Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Sharifi Firm, APC. The California personal injury lawyers at Sharifi Firm have represented car accident victims for decades. Our attorneys can assist you in understanding your rights and remedies and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Sharifi Firm at 1-866-422-7222 to schedule your free initial consultation.
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