Every state in the United States has a law that outlines the repercussions for those who are found liable in a hit-and-run accident. Generally, hit-and-runs are accidents in which a person hits another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property and leaves the scene without attempting to call emergency personnel or render assistance. It also may include a failure to exchange information, even if no one is hurt in the accident.
Under New Mexico law, specifically statute 66-7-203, the driver of a vehicle that is involved in any accident that causes an injury or death must comply with certain very specific requirements. First, the individual must provide their name, address, and registration number to the individual who was hit or any law enforcement authority that requests this information. Furthermore, the individual who collided with the injured party must attempt to render reasonable assistance. This usually means that they must call emergency personnel or make arrangements for carrying the individual to a hospital for treatment.
Unlike many other offenses, a hit-and-run does not necessarily include the element of fault. This means the violation occurs when a person leaves the scene of the accident, regardless of their level of fault in the initial incident. Thus, a driver can be found liable for a hit-and-run even for an accident they did not cause.
There are varying levels of criminal punishments for those involved in these incidents, ranging from fines to probation and even prison time. In addition, the victim of a hit-and-run accident can bring a personal injury claim against the person who left the scene. It is important that individuals in these sorts of accidents contact an attorney because these types of cases can be very complex.
Trash Truck Involved in Fatal Hit-and-Run
Tragically, a Maryland woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident when a trash truck hit her and left the scene of the accident. According to one local news report, the trash truck collided with the pickup truck the woman was driving. After being hit, the woman lost control of her truck and slammed into a pole. The woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
An initial police investigation has revealed that the trash truck driver has still not been found. Police have indicated that although they are considering this accident a hit-and-run, there is a possibility that the trash truck may not have seen the woman’s pickup truck. The police indicated that the difference in size of the two vehicles may have resulted in a situation in which the truck driver didn’t notice he hit the pickup truck. Moreover, until they find the driver and investigate the exact cause of the accident, they cannot issue any charges.
Have You Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident in New Mexico?
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a hit-and-run truck accident in New Mexico, you should strongly consider calling one of the experienced attorneys at the Fine Law Firm. These cases are often complex because investigations can be delayed while police try to find the culpable party. This can lead to subpar investigations that may not reveal the entire story. An attorney at the Fine Law Firm can assist you in making sure that a thorough investigation is completed and that the liable party is held accountable. Contact an attorney at the Fine Law Firm today at 505-243-4541.
More Blog Posts:
Officials Believe Truck Driver Was “Sexting” Immediately Before Causing Deadly Crash, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, January 7, 2016.
Federal Laws Concerning Trucking Accidents and Liability, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, January 20, 2016.