New Hampshire Injury Lawyer Blog
Hit and runs occur when a driver causes injuries to a person or their property and fails to stop at the scene to provide assistance. When a driver commits a hit and run, they often leave an injured victim completely helpless. In some situations, whether drivers stop to help or drive away can be a matter of life or death for the victims they leave behind. Due to the egregious nature of hit and runs, drivers who commit them may face both criminal charges and civil penalties, often in the form of monetary damages.
According to a recent news article, police arrested a man in connection with a hit and run in Plymouth, New Hampshire. The accident occurred on Maine Street as four women moved off the sidewalk, which a pile of snow had obstructed. As they moved closer to the road, a driver struck them. Instead of stopping to provide assistance, he allegedly drove off. According to the woman he struck, the driver later stopped his vehicle and returned to the scene. However, he denied any involvement with the hit and run. All four women were transported to the hospital, where they received treatment for their injuries. Police have since charged the alleged hit and run driver with four counts of felony-level Conduct After an Accident.
What Are the Penalties for a New Hampshire Hit and Run?
Drivers who commit a hit and run may face both criminal charges and civil damages suits. In New Hampshire, drivers involved in an accident with injuries to a person or property must stop, call emergency services, and provide both victims and police with their information. If a driver does not know the accident resulted in these injuries, the state allows 15 days for the driver to submit a report. If drivers fail to follow these steps, they may face misdemeanor charges for their failure to report the accident. Alternatively, reporting false information to law enforcement to evade responsibility is a felony in New Hampshire. If the victim dies, a driver may face charges of negligent homicide.
Additionally, drivers who commit a hit and run may face a civil negligence lawsuit from victims or their loved ones. A negligence lawsuit allows injured victims to seek monetary damages for their injuries. Because civil and criminal cases are separate matters, the outcome of one case does not affect the other. For example, even if someone is found not guilty in a criminal case, they may be found liable for damages in a civil case.
Have You Been Injured in a New Hampshire Hit and Run?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a New Hampshire hit and run accident, you may be entitled to relief. To learn more and discuss your case, contact the New Hampshire personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. Our attorneys possess the skills and dedication to guide you through every step of your case. We have years of experience representing clients throughout New Hampshire, and we will work tirelessly to win compensation on your behalf. Contact us today for a free initial consultation at 8004-804-2004.