Fairfield Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Fairfield Hit and Run Accident Attorney

Being the victim of a car accident can be a scary experience that causes extreme stress. When the person who hit you does not stop after the accident, the whole experience will be much worse. When you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may be left wondering who will be responsible for your medical bills, damages, and lost wages. A skilled Fairfield hit-and-run accident lawyer can help make this process simpler for you.

Hire a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, our lawyers are well-versed in Connecticut laws regarding evading responsibility and the burden it causes you. Our team will guide you through the claims process and make sure you receive the compensation you need. Call our office today to get started. You do not need to go through this alone.

Hit and Run in Fairfield

The town of Fairfield has 270 miles of roadway and approximately 60,000 residents. The Town of Fairfield Board of Police Commissioners reported that in 2024, there were 2,271 car crashes with over 4,000 people involved.

In the state of Connecticut, the driver who causes the accident is liable for any resulting damages. The state requires all drivers to carry auto insurance that includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. If you are involved in a car accident, both drivers should remain at the scene, exchange contact and insurance information, and wait for public safety to arrive on the scene.

If a driver leaves the scene of the accident, as in the case of a hit-and-run accident, it may be next to impossible to find the driver and obtain their insurance company’s information alone. A skilled Fairfield hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you gather evidence and coordinate with law enforcement to try to prove liability to the at-fault driver. If the at-fault driver can be identified, they are likely to face criminal charges.

Common Reasons Why People Fail to Stop

There are many reasons why drivers fail to stop after hitting a fellow driver on the road, and unfortunately, these types of accidents happen frequently and cause a lot of undue stress on the victim. Some of the reasons why a driver may not stop are:

• They fail to carry the mandatory minimum auto insurance required by the state,
• They are scared or in shock after the accident,
• They are attempting to evade responsibility for the accident, or
• They were driving while under the influence or intoxicated.

Regardless of the reason, it is illegal to leave the scene of the accident. The penalties for hit-and-run accidents in Connecticut are harsh. The penalties include:

• Accidents that cause property damage. Only 1st offense includes up to one year prison sentence, a $75 to $600 fine, or both. The driver’s license will also be suspended for at least one year.
• Property damage. 2nd offense includes up to one year of prison time, a $100 to $1,000 fine, or both. The driver’s license will be suspended for at least one year.
• Accidents that cause physical injury. Carry the same penalties as property damage.
• Serious physical injury. Can result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years, up to a $20,000 fine, or both. The 1st violation will suspend the driver’s license for one year. Subsequent violations will suspend a driver’s license for at least two years.
• For accidents causing death. These will be tried as a felony and carry sentences up to 20 years, $20,000 fine, or both. And suspend a driver’s license for at least 1-2 years.

After a hit-and-run accident, you should reach out to a lawyer right away and start the process of seeking compensation.

FAQs

What Is the Minimum Sentence for a Hit and Run in the State of Connecticut?

In Connecticut, there is no single minimum sentence for a hit-and-run accident. If the driver has past offenses on their record or the accident resulted in serious injury or death to the victims, then the accident is tried as a felony and can carry heavy penalties. If the driver is a first-time offender and the accident only resulted in property damage, then the driver would be charged with a misdemeanor. The outcome of the accident and the criminal record of the driver determine the sentencing.

What Percent of Hit-and-Run Cases Get Solved?

The unfortunate truth is that hit-and-run accidents happen often in the United States, but less than 10% of cases are solved or successfully prosecuted. The main reason for the low rate of solved cases is due to law enforcement not having enough physical evidence to connect the evading driver with the crime. The burden of proof falls largely on the victim and their ability to take photos, remember license plate numbers, or identify the driver.

What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Case?

After a hit-and-run accident, the focus is on safety and proper documentation. The more evidence law enforcement can gather fresh on the scene and documented medical attention the victim has received, the stronger your case. The next step is identifying and charging the driver who fled. Our attorneys can assist and help victims receive compensation from the driver’s insurance to help cover expenses resulting from the accident.

How Long After a Car Accident Should I Get a Lawyer?

Although you are not required to obtain a lawyer, it is highly recommended that you do and that you do it as soon as you are safe to. Early legal intervention can help increase the likelihood of your case being solved and aid you in seeking compensation for damages from insurance.

Fairfield Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Our team at Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law is ready to hear your case and get to work for you. We are dedicated to representing clients who have sustained personal injuries and losses from rear-end collisions. With over 100 five-star reviews on Google, our firm has a reputation for leading our clients to success. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.