Delaware Injury Law Blog

Hit and Run Accidents are on the Rise

Every day across the country pedestrians are struck by negligent drivers. Sometimes those negligent drivers do not even stop to check on the person’s welfare, otherwise known as a hit and run accident. In 2021 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  estimated that 7,342 pedestrians were killed in traffic fatalities in 2021, a 13% increase over 2020’s already historically high number. Deaths among bicyclists were up 5% in that period.

Under Delaware law, any Driver involved in a collision involving injury  “shall immediately report such collision to the police agency which has primary jurisdictional responsibility for the location in which the collision occurred.” (See 21 Delaware Code section 4203).

If your or your loved one is involved in a hit and run accident and the at fault driver is never discovered, you could have automobile insurance to cover your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. This specific type of insurance is called uninsured motorist coverage and applies if the driver of a negligent vehicle either does not have insurance or cannot be found. The injured party should contact their own insurance company to find out if their policy has coverage for uninsured motorists.

For uninsured motorist coverage in Delaware, the minimum amount offered is $25,000 per person and $50,000 for the accident. Overall, though it is not mandatory to do so, it is always a good idea to get uninsured motorist coverage in case this scenario ever arises. This type of coverage not only includes vehicle damage, but it also includes coverage for injuries.

Ultimately, when someone is involved in a car accident, contacting an attorney who understands insurance coverages and the ins and outs of the case is the best way to be informed of your legal options and to be fully compensated for your injuries.

If either you or a loved one has been involved in a hit and run motor vehicle accident, the experienced car accident lawyers of Morris James can help you address all your legal needs, from handling matters with insurance companies to helping ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

Contact us online or call us at 302.655.2599 to learn more.

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