What is the Definition of a Hit & Run?
Just as you would a expect, a hit and run is when someone in a vehicle hits another vehicle, person, or property and “runs” or leaves the scene without giving his/her name and other information. There is a lot more that goes into hit and runs. When someone is found guilty of a hit and run they can either be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the damages.What to Do If You Are a Victim of a Hit & Run
If you are victim or witness of a hit and run accident, it can be very scary. The most important thing you can do is gather as much information as possible. This will make the days following the accident a little better because you will be able to get through the process easier. Some of the most important information you can gather include: the time and exact location of the accident, make model and license plate number of the vehicle,
What are the Consequences to a Hit & Run?
The penalties for a hit and run range depending on the state laws and the damages from the accident. Most states impose fines somewhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Jail time can also vary. This depends on if you were charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Typically if only property was damaged it will be a misdemeanor charge, but if a person was injured or killed in the accident you can be charged with a felony. Other possible consequences include driver’s license suspension, a lawsuit from the other involved party, and cancellation of insurance policies.
How to Fight a Hit and Run Charge
There are three common defenses to fight a hit and run charge. The first is by proving that the accident only caused injury to the defendant. According to the definition of a hit and run you have to cause injury to another person or thing. This means if you can show that only the defendant was injured, you don’t have a hit and run case. The second defense is to prove that the defendant did not willfully leave the scene. There can be a number of reasons why the had to leave the scene. The third common defense is to show that the defendant had a lack of knowledge of the accident.Recent San Diego Hit & Run Cases
In December of 2016, a man was arrested after allegedly being involved in 5 hit and runs in under 2 hours. The suspect, Michael Dorman was suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He first hit a pedestrian in a parking lot, and within 5 minutes another call had been made about the same car hitting another pedestrian. Very soon after deputies were notified of another hit and run, but this time two pedestrians were hit. Soon deputies tracked down Doorman, but he fled. There was a high-speed chase that lasted about 15 minutes and Doorman hit at least two other cars and a tree as he tried to escape.
A driver, Frank Duron Jr., who was most likely under the influence of alcohol, ran into a car and kept driving. A witness called 911 and followed the driver. The man then ran a stop sign and drove on a street the wrong way. He crashed into a truck and was trapped in his car. When the officers arrived he was not breathing. He was eventually was freed and taken to a hospital where he died. No one else was injured in the accidents.
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