Understanding Phantom Driver Accidents: What You Need to Know

Ugo Lord previously mentioned that while avoiding an accident, you must do so safely; otherwise, you’re liable for the damage. However, in some cases, it can be a Phantom Driver accident where a negligent motorist’s lousy driving causes an accident.

This phenomenon differs from typical accidents since the driver at fault doesn’t collide with any vehicle(s) and leaves the scene afterward. One viral video best portrays this unfortunate incident, showing multiple vehicles crashing while trying to avoid a white cat recovering from a missed exit.

Ugo Lord Explains the Phantom Driver Accident

As an expert lawyer breaking down complex legal topics for regular internet users, Dr. Lord took time to react to the viral phantom collision. He points out that the video perfectly exemplifies a “Miss and Run,” a synonym for a Phantom Driver Accident.

The Tiktok attorney, Ugo Lord, explains that “when a Phantom car negligently causes an accident then leaves the scene, they’re still liable.” Since the law treats such accidents similarly to a Hit and Run, it would make the white liable for the damages to the other vehicles.

What Qualifies As A Miss and Run?

A no-contact car accident, also known as a Miss and Run, happens when a driver avoids hitting something, such as another car or an animal but crashes into a different vehicle or object without touching the original one. 

For example, when driving on a highway, a car in front of you suddenly changes lanes without signaling. You swerve to avoid hitting the car but lose control of your vehicle and crash into the guardrail. 

This is a no-contact car accident because there was no physical contact between your car and the car that made you swerve. 

At the same time, the driver who made them swerve is called a phantom driver because they may not stop or even notice the accident they caused. This can make it hard to find the phantom driver, prove their responsibility for the accident, and get compensation for the damage and injuries from the accident.

Determining Liability in a Phantom Driver Accident

Determining liability in a Phantom car accident is tricky, especially if the driver who made them swerve did not stop or can no longer be found. A lawyer may hire a detective to locate video footage or eyewitness reports. 

According to California law, once the private investigator finds the driver, the court will assess the parties involved in the accident to determine whether more than one person is responsible.

During this process, liability will depend on factors determining carelessness, such as:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Impaired driving
• Drunk driving
• Sleepy driving

Liability will depend on the amount of evidence there is to prove that the driver’s negligent behavior was the reason behind the no-contact car accident.

What To Do In a Phantom Driver Accident

Getting justice can be tricky if you’re ever the victim of a driver’s negligence, especially if they leave the scene. Fortunately, there are some tips to maximize your chances of receiving compensation, and these include:

• Call the police to report the accident with as many details of the Phantom driver as you can remember. This includes the car’s color, make, model, and license plate number.

• Get medical attention if you or anyone else is injured.

• Please take photos of the scene and the damage to your car, and also find any witnesses who saw the accident and get their contact information.

• Contact your insurance company and tell them what happened. You may be able to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage, which covers you if the other driver is uninsured, underinsured, or unknown.

• Consider hiring a lawyer to help you with your claim, find the phantom driver, or prove their liability for the accident. This step ensures you get the compensation you deserve for your damages and injuries.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a phantom driver accident is one where the driver’s negligence causes an accident while fleeing the scene. It’s treated similarly to a hit-and-run and results in fines, license suspension, or jail time, depending on the gravity of the crash.