When a driver is involved in an accident — especially one that is fatal — you expect them to take responsibility for their mistakes. Unfortunately, some people only think about how they can protect themselves.

Take, for example, a case that was recently in the news about a 28-year-old man who fatally struck a pedestrian with his vehicle and then fled. Ultimately, he was caught in the midst of planning to flee the entire country, rather than take responsibility for his actions. The man has now been charged with failing to stop and render aid involving the accident that killed a 61-year-old man who was crossing the street to reach his apartment.

Hit-and-run drivers can be caught

This case illustrates how it is, quite often, possible to locate hit-and-run drivers and hold them accountable to their victims. Investigators gathered pieces of evidence, including paint from the vehicle and several broken pieces from the truck, which helped them match the suspect’s vehicle to the scene. Once they received a tip about the suspect, they used GPS to track his vehicle and found it in a local repair shop undergoing repairs designed to hide its involvement in the crash.

Homicide investigators determined that the man had been planning to leave the country at the time of his arrest.

Wrongful death lawsuits can help your family recover

When a driver causes a fatal collision, the law will see to whatever criminal charges may be necessary — but that does nothing to help the family of the victim recover financially from their losses. While nothing will return a loved one to you, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide your family with the material things that they need to move forward.