Hit and Runs | Video

Alex Hagan | 1/14/2013

There are more drivers out on the road. Mix that with poor road conditions and there are bound to be more crashes. That can also result in more hit and runs. The Bismarck Police Department reported 589 hit and runs in 2012.

Even some police officers have been victims. "I do understand how frustrating it is as a victim of those, because you do have to come up with some of your own money to pay for your damages," said Timothy Bleth with the Bismarck Police Department.

Bleth says the number of hit and runs has steadily increased since he started working in 2006. Most of them happen during winter. "We do get more reports in just because people in the cars are sliding around a little more and they`re harder to control."

The biggest damage could hit your bank account. Terry Richter is an insurance agent at State Farm. His agency gets a steady amount of accidents, but most of their hit and runs happen in parking lots. "Opening their door, backing up, sliding into their cars, and taking off without notifying them," he said.

If a driver is not caught for a hit and run, the victim`s premium and deductible could increase. "Even with insurance coverage, you`re still going to be out of pocket for your deductible," Richter said.

Richter says if you think a car might be parked too close and might cause damage to your vehicle, take a picture. "Everybody has a cell phone nowadays, take pictures."

"People really should be giving their information, leaving their name and number contacting us is the best actually," Bleth said.

The penalty for a hit and run is a $1,000 fine. Bismarck Police say it is extremely important to contact authorities right away if you are involved in a crash, or witness a hit and run.

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