Understanding Hit and Run Penalties: What You Need to Know
Former South Carolina state senator John Kuhn hits a young man and drives off. As a driver, the least you can do when you hit someone is to stop. So you can check if the person was hurt or the properties were damaged. You can’t just run off because you didn’t get hurt. Besides, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident. Also, hit and run doesn’t only mean hitting someone physically.
Let’s say you are driving on the highway and turned into the wrong lane. Then, two cars jammed each other as a result of that. You are supposed to stop even if you didn’t hit a car because your action caused the accident.
Who Is at Fault: The Former Senator or the Young Man?
Since the video of the accident surfaced online, many people have been asking questions. Some are asking if there are laws that protect drivers when they hit a pedestrian. Watching the video, you will see that the young man was trying to stop the former senator from leaving because he had just hit another car.
Former state senator John Kuhn did not stop. Instead, he sped up and hit the young man. Three days before this, he paid a $232 fine for reckless driving. And this is just one of the long traffic violations he has had.
Is the Former Senator Guilty of Hit and Run?
Distinguished lawyer Ugo Lord confirms that former senator John Kuhn is likely guilty of a hit and run. He said some laws protect drivers when they hit a pedestrian, mainly in the South. He stated that lawmakers designed the laws to protect drivers during a riot. Specifically, they aim to safeguard drivers who legitimately face severe bodily injury due to riot situations.
In this case, the former senator was leaving after hitting another car, and this young man came out to stop him. So, this is not a case of a riot. And this is not a case where the former senator’s life is in danger. This means he would not have any protection in any state for hitting the young man. In other words, he is likely guilty. And yes, he was arrested and charged.
Penalties for Hit and Run
Depending on the location. Each state in America has its law on hit and run. Also, it depends on how severe the accident is. For example, you will receive less punishment if you leave the scene where only property was damaged. But if someone were injured or died, you would face more punishment.
Authorities can charge you with misdemeanors, impose fines, or send you to prison. Additionally, they can suspend your driver’s license.
What Can I Do if a Driver Hits Me and Runs Away?
Call the police immediately if a driver hits you and drives away. If there are witnesses, make sure they wait and talk to the police, too. If they can’t wait, you can collect their phone numbers. Also, you should notify your car insurance company if your car was hit. Make sure you get involved in the police investigation.
If you sustain any injury, you can file a civil lawsuit against the driver’s insurance company to seek compensation. If the driver is not found, you can file a claim for damages from your insurance provider, but this is only possible if you have uninsured driver coverage.
What Can I Do if I Left the Scene After an Accident?
If you get involved in an accident and leave without waiting for the police, you will be charged with hit and run. You can return to the accident scene immediately after leaving to save yourself. Another option is to drive to the nearest police station if you believe your life is at risk.
Lastly, call the police and report the situation in an effort to receive less punishment. But if you don’t report yourself and the police find you, you could be in serious trouble. The best thing for you to do is get a good lawyer.
Depending on state laws, prosecutors can charge you with misdemeanors or fines. If the case becomes severe, you can beg for a plea deal. But to be on the better side, don’t run and call the police even if you caused the accident.