PHANTOMS OF THE ROADS

A “phantom driver” is a driver who is the cause of an auto accident, but their vehicle doesn’t make contact with any other vehicle. Perhaps this phantom driver abruptly pulls onto the highway quickly and cuts across lanes of traffic and other drivers have to brake hard to avoid a collision and themselves get rearended, but the phantom just drives away.  Following the chaos of a crash, the phantom driver is long gone. Some phantom drivers exit the area without realizing what occurred; others know full well but take the coward’s way out and drive on in hope of avoiding possible consequences.

Typically, accidents caused by phantom drivers are regarded in the same light as a hit-and-run — an extremely serious matter. Phantom driver accidents are frequently referred to as “miss-and-runs.”

Phantom drivers are still legally liable for all injuries and damage resulting from the accident. Obviously, tracking them down is challenging, but all is not necessarily lost:

• First, call 9-1-1 to report the crash.
• If you or someone with you is physically able, jot down all details — for instance, what led to the crash, vehicle make and model, color, distinguishing features, any digits of the license plate, etc.
• Take pictures of vehicle damage, noticeable injuries, tire marks, and so forth.
• Gather information from any eyewitnesses.
• Notify your insurance company within 24 hours.
• Last but not least, contact our firm for skilled, thoughtful assistance. Phantom driver incidents can quickly become complicated. We will handle all the legal aspects of your case and help you deal with any insurance issues. Depending on the accident location, there might be video recordings of the incident, which only a personal injury attorney can obtain.