One Call, That’s All 800-404-9000
CASE EVALUATIONS ARE FAST, EASY, AND FREE.
Hit and run accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed when you realize the other driver has fled the scene. According to Insurify, Utah ranked 7th among the states with the most hit and run accidents in 2022.
Vehicle accidents can become even more stressful when you have to focus on your injuries, vehicle damage, and mounting expenses. That is why having a car accident lawyer in Utah on your side can be a lifesaver.
At Craig Swapp & Associates, where there are no legal fees until you settle or win, you can pursue fair compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable. Our Salt Lake City car accident lawyer will step in to help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and clarify the legal steps involved.
A hit and run occurs when a driver involved in a collision abandons the scene without offering identification, assistance, or any form of contact. Even if the at-fault driver only caused property damage and no apparent injuries, leaving the scene is a significant legal issue.
Collisions can leave victims physically harmed, financially burdened, and emotionally distressed. Understanding what constitutes a hit and run can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights.
A wide range of situations can be labeled hit and run accidents, extending far beyond two moving cars colliding on a highway. The key element of a hit and run is that one driver leaves the scene without sharing contact details or rendering help.
Even if no one seems hurt or the cars show limited damage, state law requires everyone involved to remain on-site and cooperate fully. The most common examples usually involve two vehicles crashing in traffic, but many other circumstances can also fall under this category.
A hit and run car accident generally occurs when a driver collides with another automobile – whether it is moving or parked – and decides to flee immediately.
Some individuals panic or worry about lacking valid insurance coverage, leading them to drive off instead of facing the consequences. In these situations, the victim is often left to deal with vehicle repairs and possible injuries without any direct source of compensation information.
It can be frustrating for victims because they must rely on any witnesses or surveillance footage to identify the fleeing driver. Although adrenaline and shock can make it difficult to react calmly, it is crucial for the impacted driver or bystanders to note important details, like the make and model of the departing vehicle or any partial license plate information.
While hit and run car accidents can result in severe damage, motorcycle hit and runs often bear an even greater risk of injury when involved in hit and run accidents. Riders have minimal physical protection compared to those in enclosed vehicles, which means a collision can lead to significant harm or permanent disability.
When the at-fault driver speeds away, it becomes even more dangerous because the injured rider might not receive immediate assistance, prolonging the time before emergency services arrive. Motorcycles are also smaller and less visible in traffic, making it more challenging for other drivers to gather identifying information about the one who fled.
Though each form of hit and run involves different elements – such as the types of vehicles or injuries – the fundamental obligation to remain at the scene remains constant under Utah law.
Many misconceptions circulate about hit and run laws, which can lead to risky decisions.
Below are some myths and the correct information to keep in mind:
Myth #1: “It is not a hit and run if you only bump a parked car.”
Reality: Utah law considers leaving the scene of any collision – even one involving a parked car – without providing your name and contact information to be a violation.
Myth #2: “You only need to stick around if there are injuries.”
Reality: Even property damage requires the driver to stop, remain nearby, and trade relevant details with anyone else involved.
Myth #3: “Defendants are safe from legal consequences if the police cannot identify them.”
Reality: Investigators often track down hit-and-run drivers through eyewitness accounts, security or dashcam footage, and vehicle forensics. If found, defendants could face criminal charges and civil liability.
Utah law takes hit and run accidents seriously. Drivers must remain at the scene, supply contact and insurance information, and render help if someone is hurt. Failing to do so could result in criminal penalties and a civil claim against the at-fault driver.
To learn more about hit and run laws in Utah, continue reading here.
Utah allows 4 years to file a personal injury lawsuit involving an auto accident, such as a hit and run. However, certain details – such as when injuries become apparent – could adjust this deadline. Missing the statute of limitations likely disqualifies you from seeking damages, so contacting a car accident lawyer in Utah promptly is wise.
In Utah, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident can face criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. For instance, a misdemeanor may apply if there is only property damage, but if the incident involves severe injuries or fatalities, felony charges may be filed.
The punishment can include hefty fines and jail time, depending on the severity of the situation. Beyond criminal sanctions, the injured individual may also file a civil lawsuit to recover losses like medical costs, lost earnings, or pain and suffering.
If you experience a hit and run in Utah, knowing your immediate steps may protect your health, preserve evidence, and improve your chances of recovering compensation.
If you were hurt in a hit and run crash, or your property was damaged, you might have the right to file a personal injury claim against the responsible driver once they are identified.
Even if the other driver remains unknown, you may access coverage through your own insurance policy – particularly uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. Legal counsel can help determine what remedies are available and handle interactions with insurance carriers.
Filing a claim usually involves demonstrating that the fleeing driver caused your injuries or property damage through negligence. Medical documentation, police reports, photos, and witness accounts can all support your argument.
While insurance companies often evaluate the evidence themselves, a car accident lawyer in Utah can coordinate communication, compile necessary paperwork, and negotiate the settlement you deserve.
When you encounter hit and run car accidents, insurance coverage can vary. In Utah, it is typical for policies to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which provides initial medical cost coverage up to a certain point regardless of fault.
Additional coverage that might apply includes:
Reviewing your policy details or speaking with a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer can shed light on the benefits that may help you handle medical bills, lost wages, and other costs connected to the accident.
Being the victim of a hit and run can lead to health, financial, and emotional burdens. Our Salt Lake City car accident lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates are available to discuss your legal options, evaluate your potential claim, and aim to secure compensation for your losses.
Talk to a knowledgeable accident lawyer who can guide you toward a fair resolution. With Craig Swapp & Associates on your side, you can pursue damages so you are not left bearing the burden alone.
It takes “One Call, That’s All” to get the process started. Call our office today at 1-866-308-3822 or fill out our contact form to have your free consultation scheduled.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp