Upon entering a car accident, you may be focused on safely pulling over to exchange information with the other driver. So you may be shocked when you come to realize that the other driver did not pull over, but instead sped away. Follow along to find out the reasons for a driver fleeing the scene of an accident and how one of the proficient Howard County car accident attorneys at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates can step in.
What are common reasons for a driver fleeing the scene of an accident?
There is no valid excuse for fleeing the scene of an accident. However, below are explanations as to why the driver may have done so:
- The driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The driver may not have auto insurance.
- The driver may have taken the vehicle without permission or otherwise stole it.
- The driver may have outstanding warrants for their arrest or unpaid traffic tickets.
- The driver may be illegally in this country or transporting illegal drugs or goods.
Why should I not follow a driver who is fleeing the scene?
Understandably so, you may be desperate to obtain the driver’s information so that you may seek financial compensation for your injuries and damages. But this does not mean that you should take this matter into your own hands. That is, you should not follow the driver who is fleeing the scene for the following reasons:
- The driver may be a dangerous individual that you should not engage with.
- Your car may have incurred damages that make it unsafe to drive.
- It is illegal to flee the scene of an accident in the state of Maryland.
What should I do instead?
It is in your best interest to have the police track down the driver on your behalf. So, immediately following your car accident, you should take the following approach:
- Memorize and jot down the car’s characteristics, such as its make, model, color, license plate number, etc.
- Memorize and jot down the driver’s characteristics, such as their sex, race, hair color, etc.
- Dial 911 and share these characteristics with the dispatcher on the other end of the line.
- Talk with the officer who arrives at the scene and share these characteristics with them, along with a recount of the events that led to your accident.
- Talk with present witnesses and ask if they got a better look at the car and driver, along with if they were able to snag photos and videos.
You must take the initiative and reach out to one of the talented Howard County auto accident attorneys at your earliest possible convenience. Our team at Lloyd J. Eisenberg & Associates will be happy to serve you.
