Hit and run accidents occur when two vehicles are involved in an auto accident and one party flees the scene, often with the intent of dodging liability.
Often referred to as failure to stop at a scene of an accident, motorists involved in these types of accidents may be charged with failure to stop at the scene of accident under the Criminal Code of Canada. Furthermore, the Highway Traffic Act of Ontario states that they may be subject to persecution for failure to remain at the scene of an accident.
Have you or someone that you love been injured in a hit and run accident that was caused by another motorist?
Did you know that the victim may be eligible to recover compensation for damages, medical bills, lost wages, and more?
To learn more about your legal options, contact Greg Monforton & Partners today for your FREE case evaluation.
Call us toll free at (866) 320-4770 or click “here” to reach us online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Causes of a Hit and Run
Each year car accidents cost Canada more than $62 million in property damage, emergency response, and out-of-pocket expenses drivers must pay.
In 2010 nearly 40% of fatally injured drivers who were involved in a car accident tested positive for alcohol. Although alcohol may be a common factor in hit and run accidents, there are many other reasons why drivers may flee from the scene including:
- Driver or passenger was wanted for other crimes
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving without insurance
- Driving without a license
- Driver was in the country illegally
- Driving a stolen vehicle
If youre involved in a hit and run accident, you need to not only remain at the scene but also provide your information. Under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act you may also be charged for failure to provide information if you refuse to provide insurance or personal information to the other driver.
Failure to remain at the scene of an accident or provide your information can result in demerit points, fines, license suspension, and serious jail time.
Hit and Run Injuries
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident there is the chance that you may have sustained injuries which can be frightening if you are alone. Most drivers involved in these types of accidents are likely to be frustrated, angry, and overwhelmed so its important to make note of how you feel after the accident.
Common injuries caused by hit and run accidents include:
Always make note of how you feel immediately after an accident as well as a few days after when your body has had time to process the full impact of the car crash.
If you’ve suffered injuries from a hit and run accident contact our auto accident lawyers to learn more about your legal options.
How to Handle a Hit and Run Accident
One of the first things you should do after the accident is try to recall and write down any identifying information about the other vehicle and driver such as the:
- Make of the vehicle
- Model of the vehicle
- Vehicle color
- License plate number
- Car features such as bumper stickers
- Information about the driver like hair color, clothing, tattoos or birth marks, etc.
The more information you have about the other driver, the better your chances will be of having the individual apprehended and charged for fleeing the scene of an accident.
Once you have noted all the information youll want to:
- Contact emergency services if anyone has been injured
- Call the police to report the accident
- Take pictures of the accident scene
- If there are any witnesses get as much information from them as you can and make sure they provide the same accurate information to the authorities
You will need to handle a hit and run accident just as you would any other accident so its important to note as much information about the incident as you can.
Contact our Ontario Hit and Run Lawyers
Since 1981, Greg Monforton and Partners have been helping drivers involved in auto accidents get the legal assistance they need. If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident we can help you get the justice you deserve.
With an office in Windsor, Greg Monforton and Partners also proudly serve the following Ontario areas:
- Windsor
- Tecumseh
- Sarnia
- London
- LaSalle
- Belle River
- Chatham-Kent
- Scarborough
… and many more surrounding cities and towns in the province.
To learn more about the legal options you have if you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, contact our lawyers at (866) 320-4770 or (519) 258-6490.
If you would prefer to contact us online, simply click “here” and complete our “Free Case Evaluation” form.
We’re here to help and only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf. Ph: (866) 320-4770