How Often Are Hit and Run Drivers Caught?

A hit-and-run accident is a driver’s worst nightmare come true. In an instant, a life can be forever changed, and the person responsible for that change is nowhere to be found. At JustCallMoe, our experienced Orlando hit and run car accident attorneys understand the devastating impact of these incidents and the burning question on every victim’s mind: how often are hit and run drivers caught and brought to justice?

The Prevalence of Hit and Run Accidents

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FLHSMV), there were an estimated 104,273 hit-and-run crashes in Florida in 2023 alone. These accidents resulted in 271 fatalities and 871 serious injuries. Considering the complex structure of the state’s traffic system, you may wonder, how often do hit-and-runs get caught?

Factors Influencing Apprehension Rates

Several factors contribute to the likelihood of a hit-and-run driver being caught, including:

• Witness accounts: Eyewitness descriptions of the vehicle, driver, or license plate can be crucial in identifying the perpetrator. The more detailed and accurate the information provided by witnesses, the higher the chances of apprehension.
• Surveillance footage: The prevalence of security cameras and dashboard cameras has made it easier for law enforcement to gather evidence in hit-and-run cases. Video footage can provide valuable clues about the vehicle and the driver involved.
• Severity of the accident: Hit-and-run accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities tend to receive more attention and resources from law enforcement, increasing the likelihood of the driver being caught.
• Community involvement: When the community is engaged and willing to come forward with information, it can significantly aid in the investigation and apprehension of hit-and-run drivers.

Apprehension Rates in the United States

Despite the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and the public, the unsettling truth remains that a significant proportion of hit-and-run drivers evade capture. The precise apprehension rates fluctuate based on jurisdiction and the unique circumstances surrounding each case. However, a critical examination of studies and data from diverse sources reveals a disheartening reality:

• A comprehensive study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety discovered that a mere 50% of hit-and-run drivers are successfully identified in fatal crashes, leaving half of these perpetrators unaccountable for their actions, making one wonder how many hit-and-runs are solved.
• In Los Angeles, a city notorious for its high volume of hit-and-run incidents, the Los Angeles Police Department disclosed that in 2018, a staggering 92% of hit-and-run cases remained unsolved, with only 8% of drivers being apprehended and brought to justice.
• New York City, another metropolitan area grappling with the hit-and-run epidemic, has witnessed the NYPD’s clearance rate for these incidents hovering around a dismal 25% in recent years. This alarming statistic implies that three out of every four hit-and-run drivers manage to evade law enforcement and escape the consequences of their reckless behavior.

These sobering statistics underscore the monumental challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in their quest to solve hit-and-run cases and hold the culprits accountable for their actions. The low apprehension rates serve as a poignant reminder of the uphill battle that victims and their families must contend with in their pursuit of justice.

Improving Apprehension Rates

While the current apprehension rates for hit-and-run drivers paint a bleak picture, there are proactive measures that can be implemented to enhance the likelihood of bringing these perpetrators to justice.

• Increased public awareness: Launching comprehensive public awareness campaigns that educate citizens about the critical importance of reporting hit-and-run incidents promptly and providing detailed accounts can lead to a surge in valuable tips and evidence for law enforcement agencies.
• Enhanced surveillance technology: Investing in the widespread deployment of cutting-edge surveillance systems, including high-resolution cameras equipped with advanced analytics and automatic license plate recognition technology, can significantly bolster the evidence-gathering capabilities of law enforcement agencies. Leveraging the power of technology to capture and analyze crucial data allows investigators to expedite the identification and apprehension of hit-and-run drivers.
• Dedicated hit-and-run investigation units: Establishing specialized units within police departments solely dedicated to investigating hit-and-run cases can greatly enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts. By allocating skilled personnel, advanced resources, and focused training to these units, agencies can develop a formidable force capable of unraveling complex cases and bringing perpetrators to justice. The creation of these dedicated teams sends a powerful message that hit-and-run crimes will not be tolerated and that every effort will be made to hold offenders accountable.
• Stricter penalties: Advocating for legislative reforms that impose harsher penalties for hit-and-run offenses, including lengthier prison sentences, substantial fines, and the revocation of driving privileges, can serve as a powerful deterrent for potential offenders. By ensuring the consequences of fleeing the scene of an accident are severe and inescapable, we can create a legal framework that discourages drivers from making the despicable choice to abandon their responsibilities and leave victims in peril.

The Role of Legal Representation

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to seek experienced legal representation. At JustCallMoe, our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to fighting for the rights of hit-and-run victims and their families. We work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable, even in cases where the driver has not been identified or apprehended.

Our attorneys can help you deal with this, working with law enforcement, insurance companies, and medical providers to ensure you receive the compensation and support you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may be facing, and we are here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need during this difficult time.

Seek Legal Help

The reality is that far too many hit-and-run drivers escape justice, leaving victims and their families to bear the consequences. However, by raising awareness, improving investigative techniques, and advocating for stricter penalties, we can work towards increasing apprehension rates and holding these perpetrators accountable for their actions.

As a hit-and-run accident victim in Florida, consider seeking legal representation. At JustCallMoe, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time.