The most recent data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that a hit-and-run crash happens every minute on roads throughout the United States. In 2016 alone, more than 2,000 motor vehicle-related fatalities occurred, representing a significant increase of 60% from just seven years prior.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are becoming more and more common, and New Mexico is among the states with the highest hit-and-run rates.
Hit-and-run crashes on the rise
Per capita, New Mexico is one of three states with the highest hit-and-run rates in the country. Even more startling is the revelation by Albuquerque Police that the past two years saw 1,800 hit-and-run crashes in the city.
Since 2006, the national average for hit-and-run collisions has been about 682,000. Starting in 2009, fatalities have risen an average of 7.2% per year. Out of all those accidents, pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 65% of deaths on the road.
Make no mistake: fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal. And raising awareness is an important aspect of protecting lives. For example, school-age children, in particular, can be difficult for drivers to see, making proactive steps imperative in school zones, playgrounds and other areas where kids congregate.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, talk to a personal injury lawyer about your options. Even if the at-fault driver can’t be found immediately, you may have insurance options for getting the medical care and financial compensation you need and deserve.