The process to get payments from a negligent driver who hits your vehicle or property and then leaves can be problematic. This is because the person needs to be identified by law enforcement before they can be prosecuted or sued. However, there are attorneys who can assist you and make sure the person responsible pays for the damage after they are caught.
A business in Albuquerque was fortunate that security cameras caught a hit and run accident on video.
Driver caught on camera crashes into vehicles and front of store before speeding away
The owner of the business has been operating a sandwich shop in the same location for over 20 years in Albuquerque, and he says nothing like this has ever happened before. His son received a notification from the motion detecting surveillance cameras outside of the store the day after Christmas. While the store was closed that day, a vehicle had entered the parking lot from Carlisle Street. In the next few minutes, the suspect’s red van drove into the owner’s company vehicle, backed into the storefront, then went forward into the same vehicle again. After these three impacts, the suspect drove off without making any attempt to contact the store or provide their information. Multiple vehicles parked in front of the store sustained damage to their side panels as a consequence of the reaction from the collision. The owner says that there were also oil leaks coming from the damaged cars.
A witness who was in the area reported the crash to the police immediately after it happened as well. The store was able to open and operate as normal the following day. The store owner is offering a five hundred dollar reward to anyone who locates or assists in finding the suspect.
Leaving the scene of an accident
Leaving the scene of a car accident is a crime in every jurisdiction in the United States. When a suspect causes a crash and then leaves, the situation becomes very frustrating for a victim because they will often need to identify the person responsible before a lawsuit or insurance claims can proceed. However, it is still important to contact the appropriate authorities or police and report the incident to them to begin receiving assistance.
Filing a case after the driver is caught
When the driver is identified, they will likely face prosecution as well as a civil lawsuit from the business owner. The person who experiences losses because of a hit and run driver can still sue them in civil court even if the charges are later dismissed or dropped in criminal court. The purpose of a negligence lawsuit is to make the hit and run driver pay for the damage that they caused, rather than to punish them with jail time or other consequences that may be part of a sentence of plea deal.
Lawyers who handle accident cases in your state can help
To talk to a local New Mexico accident attorney, contact The Law Office of Brian K. Branch. You will receive advice that is relevant to your situation and a plan of action for proceeding with a lawsuit and other measures against the person responsible.
