The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident is a whirlwind of terrifying emotions -shock, anger, and a deep sense of helplessness. All drivers are responsible for remaining at the scene of an accident no matter the circumstances, and if a driver flees, they leave the victim to deal with the aftermath alone. This can result in physical injuries, financial hardship, and emotional distress. After the shock of a hit-and-run accident, you could be left injured and face the uncertainties of the accident.
If you’ve been a victim of a hit-a-run accident, you need an experienced attorney to help you navigate the complex legal landscape of the legal process and ensure that your case doesn’t go cold. The Mississippi car accident lawyers at Derek L. Hall, P.C. have over 25 years of experience to ensure you know all your legal options, even if the other driver is never found.
Mississippi Hit-and-Run Penalties
A hit-and-run accident is when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to provide their information, report the accident to authorities, or provide any aid to other drivers involved. Fleeing the scene of an accident in Mississippi is a criminal offense that comes with harsh penalties. Depending on the severity of the accident, injuries sustained or the extent of the property damage, if the driver is found, they could face criminal penalties of fines, license suspension, and jail time.
A driver who fails to stop at an accident can face a misdemeanor with penalties such as:
- Fines up to $5,000
- Jail time up to 1 year
A driver who fails to stop at a severe accident that caused significant bodily harm or even a fatality can face a felony charge with penalties such as:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Jail time up to 20 years
- License revocation
When a driver leaves the scene of an accident, you may be tempted to chase after them, instead of focusing on gathering evidence and any identifiable information. Call the authorities and seek out any medical attention you need, even if you do not feel injured at the time.
Hit-and-Run Accident Investigation Timeline in Mississippi
After a hit-and-run accident in Mississippi, there is nothing you want more than for justice to be served, but the most critical piece of the investigation is how much information the police have about the other driver, their vehicle, and how quickly they receive it. You should report the accident to the authorities with as much information about the other driver and the vehicle as soon as possible to have the best chance of finding the other driver. Police are sometimes able to find the other driver in a matter of hours or days if you can provide critical information such as a license plate number, but without much information, finding the other driver could take weeks, months, or the trail may go cold. Unfortunately, there is no firm timeline for a hit-and-run accident investigation in Mississippi.
Navigating this difficult time will have you wondering how the investigation is progressing and eagerly waiting to see if the driver was found. While you wait for the investigation to unfold, you can expect updates from the authorities every two weeks or so. However, the actual frequency of updates may vary based on factors like the department's workload, the availability of leads, and the level of involvement of your legal team.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident
After being in an accident with another driver who flees the scene, you should always check for injuries and call the authorities as soon as possible. When the authorities arrive, they will ask for your information and ask you to provide any details about the other driver that you can provide.
- Full or partial license plate number
- Make, model, and color of the vehicle
- Any distinguishing features of the vehicle or driver
- Direction the driver was headed
These crucial details can help locate the other driver immediately after the crash and identify them on any surveillance footage that can help locate them as well. If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, there is still hope to hold the other driver accountable for abandoning their responsibilities at the accident. The attorneys at Derek L. Hall can help ensure that your car accident was investigated thoroughly and help you seek compensation.
Hit-and-Run Accident: Seeking Compensation in Mississippi
The legal team at Derek L. Hall has one goal: to get you more. While there may seem to be no hope of receiving compensation for your hit-and-run accident, that is not true. Don't let a hit-and-run accident derail your life. Explore your legal options to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Don’t lose hope. Contact the attorneys at Derek L. Hall today so we can pursue your justice and explore your options for compensation.
