An analysis by USA TODAY shows that the number of pedestrians killed by hit-and-run drivers has jumped 20% since 2000. Hit-and-run cases are among the most difficult crimes to solve because they often happen at night with no witnesses.
According to the NHTSA, nearly 5,000 pedestrians are killed every year. One-fifth of these fatalities are the results of hit-and-runs. Peter Kissinger of the American Automobile Association said that the statistics are outrageous. The increasingly distracted and aggressive driving behavior is said to be the primary cause of hit-and-runs.
This is a pressing issue that needs to be discussed at every level of our societal infrastructure. Education and discussion are key to creating awareness about the seriousness of the problem. Being involved in an accident is a terrible event, but leaving the scene of the accident elevates the accident to a crime.
Witnesses play an imperative role in solving this problem, if every witness used all means available to inform authorities of what they see, more hit-and-run drivers would be brought to justice. To facilitate the communication of this information, the Christensen Law Firm has brought the Hit-and-Run Rewards Program to Utah. The program allows witnesses to call in anonymously and give all the information they have with out fear of retribution. If the information provided leads to the felony conviction or arrest of a hit-and-run driver the witness will receive $1,000 reward.
Pedestrians and other road users are often injured or killed as a result of being hit by motor vehicles. If you have been injured or a loved one killed in a hit-and-run, schedule a free consultation with an experienced lawyer at the Christensen Law to find out what your options are and get the compensation you deserve 801-506-0800.