Do Police Investigate Hit and Runs?
Introduction
Hit-and-run accidents are a growing concern on our roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the United States alone, there were over 651,000 reported hit-and-run crashes in 2017. These accidents can have severe consequences, including property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. In this article, we will explore the question: Do police investigate hit and runs?
Do Police Investigate Hit and Runs?
Yes, police do investigate hit and runs. In fact, it is the police’s responsibility to investigate any accident that involves a driver leaving the scene without exchanging information or rendering aid to the other parties involved.
Why Do Police Investigate Hit and Runs?
There are several reasons why police investigate hit and runs:
- Prevent Future Accidents: By identifying the driver responsible for the hit-and-run, police can take action to prevent future accidents.
- Hold Drivers Accountable: Hit-and-run drivers often flee the scene to avoid accountability for their actions. Police investigate to hold these drivers accountable for their actions.
- Protect Victims: In some cases, hit-and-run accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities. By investigating these accidents, police can help protect the victims and their families.
How Do Police Investigate Hit and Runs?
Police investigate hit and runs using a variety of methods, including:
- Witness Statements: Police often rely on witness statements to piece together what happened before, during, and after the accident.
- Physical Evidence: Police gather physical evidence from the scene, such as damage to vehicles, skid marks, and debris.
- Surveillance Video: Police review surveillance video from nearby cameras to identify the hit-and-run vehicle and its occupants.
- Forensic Analysis: Police use forensic analysis to match paint, glass, and other physical evidence to the hit-and-run vehicle.
- Interviews with Victims: Police interview the victims and any witnesses to gather more information about the accident.
What Happens if the Police Identify the Hit-and-Run Driver?
If the police identify the hit-and-run driver, they may take the following actions:
- Issue a Citation: The police may issue a citation to the hit-and-run driver for failing to report the accident and provide necessary information.
- Summon the Driver to Court: The police may summon the hit-and-run driver to appear in court to answer for their actions.
- Impound the Vehicle: The police may impound the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle as evidence.
- Seek Criminal Charges: In some cases, the police may seek criminal charges against the hit-and-run driver, including charges related to reckless driving, negligent homicide, or fleeing the scene of an accident.
What Can Victims Do if the Police Don’t Investigate a Hit and Run?
If the police don’t investigate a hit and run, the victim may want to take the following steps:
- Contact the Police Again: The victim can contact the police again to express their concerns and request a re-investigation.
- Contact the Police Chief: The victim can contact the police chief or another high-ranking officer to escalate their concerns.
- Contact a Lawyer: The victim may want to consider contacting a lawyer to discuss their options for seeking justice and compensation.
Consequences of Hit-and-Run Accidents
The consequences of hit-and-run accidents can be severe:
- Property Damage: Hit-and-run accidents can result in significant property damage to vehicles, buildings, and other structures.
- Injuries and Fatalities: Hit-and-run accidents can result in injuries and fatalities, which can have a devastating impact on the victims and their families.
- Emotional Trauma: Hit-and-run accidents can cause significant emotional trauma to the victims, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Conclusion
Hit-and-run accidents are a serious concern on our roads. Police do investigate hit and runs to prevent future accidents, hold drivers accountable, and protect victims. If the police don’t investigate a hit and run, victims may want to take steps to escalate their concerns and seek justice. By understanding the consequences of hit-and-run accidents and the steps that police take to investigate them, we can work together to create safer roads for everyone.
Table: Consequences of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Consequence | Description |
---|---|
Property Damage | Damage to vehicles, buildings, and other structures |
Injuries and Fatalities | Physical harm to people involved in the accident |
Emotional Trauma | Psychological harm to victims and their families |
Key Takeaways
- Police do investigate hit and runs to prevent future accidents, hold drivers accountable, and protect victims.
- Investigation methods include witness statements, physical evidence, surveillance video, forensic analysis, and interviews with victims.
- If the police identify the hit-and-run driver, they may issue a citation, summon the driver to court, impound the vehicle, and seek criminal charges.
- Victims may want to contact the police again, the police chief, or a lawyer if they don’t feel their case is being investigated properly.
- Hit-and-run accidents can result in property damage, injuries and fatalities, and emotional trauma.