Fleeing the scene of an accident, also known as a hit and run, is illegal in Minnesota. Minnesota law states that it is a crime for any driver to leave the scene of an accident without first determining if any injuries or property damage occurred.
When you are struck by another vehicle and the driver leaves the scene of the accident, you may not know what to do. A Minneapolis hit and run accident lawyer may be able to help. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233.
Hit-and-Run Accidents: Why Drivers Flee
Minnesota Statutes § 169.09 states that the driver of any vehicle involved in a collision must immediately stop at or near the scene of the accident and investigate what was struck. If the driver knows that injuries or death resulted, they must remain at the scene of the accident and give their name, address, date of birth, and license plate number. If asked, they must show their driver’s license or permit. They also must provide their insurance information within 72 hours. Also, local authorities must be notified.
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, they are guilty of a crime. If death resulted due to the accident, they are guilty of a felony and most likely will face high fines and imprisonment. A driver may flee for many reasons, including:
- Drunkenness or other drug-related impairment
- Uninsured or underinsured
- Vehicle is a company vehicle and the driver does not want the employer to know of the crash
- Stolen vehicle
- Did not receive permission to drive vehicle
- Outstanding arrest warrant
- Unpaid tickets
- Driver is an undocumented immigrant
- Driver has illegal drugs or goods in the vehicle
- Worried about insurance rates going up
- No knowledge of accident
- Too trivial to report
- Fear, confusion, or guilt
Sometimes a driver realizes they made a mistake and should not have left the scene of the accident and will turn themselves in. When they do not, however, an investigation needs to take place.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Minneapolis, call (844) 730-0233
Investigating a Hit-and-Run Accident
After a driver flees the scene of an accident and authorities are contacted, an investigation will take place. Police officers will interview any witnesses and try to learn if any video surveillance is available in the nearby area. They will examine the accident scene and struck vehicle for any other clues that may help with the investigation. For example, they may be able to determine the color of the other vehicle by looking at paint that was left in the scratches or dents on the victim’s vehicle. Once authorities identify the at-fault party, they will issue an arrest warrant.
Because hit-and-run accidents are serious crimes and authorities normally investigate, a lawyer’s job sometimes becomes easier. However, if authorities are unable to determine who the guilty party is, a lawyer will also try to help with their own investigation.
Minneapolis Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Costs a Hit-and-Run Driver Leaves Behind
A driver who leaves the scene of an accident is leaving you with many costs, some of which may include:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Temporary loss of income
- Permanent job loss
- Car repairs
- Insurance deductibles
- Towing charges
- Rental car fees
- Pain and suffering
If a loved one died as a result of the accident, you may also be facing:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of loved one’s income
- Loss of consortium
- Grief and mental anguish
You should not be made to pay for these costs. The at-fault party should be made to pay. A Minneapolis hit and run accident lawyer can help you recover some or all of these costs by seeking justice.
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How a Lawyer Will Help You Seek Justice
As mentioned earlier, a lawyer will help authorities investigate and try to track down the driver who fled the scene of the accident. They will be an invaluable asset to have. They will listen to you, advise you, and represent you. They will keep you informed of each new development in the case, and they will explain the proceedings in terms you can understand.
A lawyer will fight for your rights and fight for compensation for you. They will negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and, if unable to reach an agreement, they will not hesitate to go to court if necessary.
A lawyer will handle all of the details of your case and leave no stone unturned. They will see your case through to the end and will not be satisfied until you are satisfied. You can have peace of mind knowing that someone is on your side seeking justice for you.
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Seek Justice Today
Minnesota Statutes § 541.07 states that you have only two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim, and Minnesota Statutes § 573.02 states that most wrongful death actions must be filed within three years of the date of the death. You do not want to delay in filing your claim, because hit-and-run accidents take time to investigate. Once the time elapses to file a claim, you may be barred from ever filing. You want to make sure that justice is sought.
A Minneapolis hit and run accident lawyer is ready to help you seek justice today.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning we do not collect a fee until we obtain a settlement for you. You pay nothing upfront or out of pocket, so you do not have to worry about legal fees.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
