Hit-and-Run crashes and fatalities happen at alarming rates and can lead to severe injuries and consequences for all parties involved. According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in 2015, hit-and-run crashes occurred somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds, and in 2016 there were 2,049 fatalities that resulted from hit-and-run crashes. Additionally, a study conducted by ValuePenguin found that fatal hit-and-runs increased by 44 percent between 2010 and 2019.
In a recent news report, a well-known couple from Cornville suffered from severe injuries on their motorcycle after they were struck by a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign and fled the scene. The hit-and-run accident occurred at the intersection of Route 43 and Boardman Road in Maine. The vehicle that struck the motorcycle failed to stop at the stop sign and drove through the intersection. The injured couple was wearing helmets at the time of the crash but suffered severe injuries including broken bones. Both the jeep and the motorcycle were impounded.
A witness followed the perpetrator of the hit-and-run after he fled the scene, and neighbors helped capture the driver and held him until police arrived to arrest him. The driver of the vehicle was given a blood test and charged with aggravated operating under the influence, aggravated driving to endanger, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in personal injury. His bail was set at $50,000.
Those who are injured in a hit-and-run crash may encounter numerous issues when dealing with the complexities of litigation, especially considering that perpetrators of hit-and-run accidents may flee the scene for a variety of reasons. Drivers are required to have car insurance, but in hit-and-run crashes, it may be the case that the perpetrator does not have insurance. It may also be the case that the perpetrator was driving under the influence, doesn’t have a valid driver’s license, or may have been driving while distracted. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you determine if your insurance policy provides medical coverage for hit-and-run accidents where the perpetrator does not have insurance coverage. Additionally, speaking with an attorney can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury suits, including gathering evidence, proving fault, and proving causation of an accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Maine Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run car accident in Maine, it is imperative to get in contact with an attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. The dedicated attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates have decades of experience handling complex litigation concerning car accidents and are ready to assist. Our attorneys approach their client work with compassion and thoughtfulness and are passionate about helping clients navigate difficulties that arise after a car accident. In addition to car accidents, our firm also handles premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability, and wrongful death claims. Call us today at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney from our firm.