Picture this: you’re driving down the road, minding your own business, when suddenly another driver slams into your car and speeds off. You feel helpless and angry – what should you do? While the urge to chase after the hit and run accident driver may be strong, it’s important to consider the consequences of such actions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why chasing a hit and run driver is not only dangerous but also illegal. We’ll also discuss how an experienced Irvine car accident lawyer can help you get justice without risking further harm or breaking any laws.
Chasing the Hit and Run Driver Means Leaving the Accident Scene and Breaking the Law
The first instinct of many people involved in a hit and run accident is to chase after the other driver. However, doing so can lead to serious legal consequences. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, even if you’re only doing it to try and catch the person who hit you.
In fact, chasing a hit and run driver can actually make things worse for you legally. According to California Vehicle Code 20001, leaving the accident scene without reporting the crash and waiting for the police to investigate is a misdemeanor offense, carrying a punishment of a fine and jail time of up to five years.
Instead of taking matters into your own hands by giving chase, call 911 immediately after being involved in a hit and run accident. The police will take care of tracking down the perpetrator while ensuring that all parties involved are safe from further harm.
You should give the police any information you can remember about the vehicle that hit you, such as the tag number, make and model, etc.
The Other Driver May Be Armed and Violent
It’s a frightening thought, but it’s important to consider the possibility that the other driver involved in a hit and run accident may be armed or violent. This is especially true if they are desperate to avoid being caught by law enforcement.
Chasing after the hit and run driver could put you in serious danger. They may have weapons such as guns or knives that they could use against you if they feel threatened or cornered.
Even if the other driver doesn’t have any weapons, there is still a risk of them becoming violent towards you if they feel like their freedom is at stake. It’s never worth putting yourself in harm’s way just to try and catch someone who has already caused an accident.
Remember: Your safety should always be your top priority in any situation involving a hit and run accident. Let law enforcement handle catching the responsible party while you focus on getting medical attention for any injuries sustained during the collision.
You May Cause Another Accident During a High-Speed Chase
Chasing the other driver after being involved in a hit and run accident is never a wise decision. It not only puts you at risk but also endangers other innocent motorists on the road. During a high-speed chase, you may lose control of your vehicle, leading to another collision.
The adrenaline rush caused by chasing someone can cloud your judgment and cause you to make rash decisions that can lead to serious consequences. You could swerve into other lanes, run through red lights or stop signs, or even hit pedestrians who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Moreover, if you are driving recklessly during the pursuit of another vehicle, law enforcement officers might mistake you for an aggressor and intervene accordingly. In such cases, they may use forceful measures such as forcing your car off-road or using spike strips that could harm both yourself and others around you.
Instead of escalating trying to chase down a hit and run driver and risking everyone’s safety on the road, call an experienced Irvine car accident lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
You Risk Making Your Injuries Worse or Even Life-Threatening
One of the biggest risks of chasing a hit and run driver is the potential harm to your own health. If you have already been involved in an accident, chances are that you have sustained injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent.
By leaving the scene and engaging in a high-speed chase, you risk aggravating these injuries or even causing new ones. The force generated by sudden acceleration or deceleration can cause serious damage to your neck and spine, leading to chronic pain and long-term disability.
Moreover, if you collide with another vehicle or object during the pursuit, there is a higher chance that you will sustain further injury. In addition to physical harm, this also increases your financial liabilities as well as legal complications.
It’s important to remember that chasing after someone who has committed a hit and run is never worth risking your life over. Instead of putting yourself in danger by trying to catch them on your own, it’s best to contact law enforcement authorities immediately so they can handle it professionally.
You Do Not Have the Legal Right to Detain the Driver
It is important to remember that as a civilian, you do not have the legal right to detain a hit and run driver.
Attempting to hold someone against their will can result in serious legal consequences for you, including charges of false imprisonment or assault. It’s crucial to let law enforcement handle any attempts at apprehending the other driver.
Additionally, attempting to detain someone on your own can put yourself in danger. You never know if the other driver is armed or violent and could potentially harm you.
Remember that by leaving the scene of an accident, the driver in a hit and run crash has already committed a crime. Your primary focus should be on seeking medical attention and reporting all details of the incident to law enforcement.
An experienced Irvine car accident lawyer can help guide you through the legal processes necessary for seeking justice following a hit and run accident.
Let an Experienced Irvine Car Accident Lawyer Help You Get Justice!
If you ever find yourself in a hit and run accident, remember that chasing the other driver is not worth the risks. Not only are you breaking the law by leaving the accident scene but also putting your life and those of others at risk. Instead, call for help and seek medical attention right away.
Let an experienced Irvine car accident lawyer help you get justice. A skilled attorney will investigate the case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation.
Remember to stay safe on the road and always follow traffic rules to avoid accidents. But if you do end up in one, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted Irvine car accident lawyer who can guide you through every step of the legal process toward recovery!
