When someone hits your car and then drives away, it can be very frightening and leave you not knowing what to do next. But you need to stay cool and do the right thing to keep yourself safe and protect your legal rights. What you do right after the accident can have a big effect on how things turn out, whether you’re going to the doctor or making an insurance claim.
If someone hits you and then drives away, one of the first things you should do is contact car accident lawyers. These professionals can help you put together a strong case for compensation, which is especially helpful if the insurance company won’t cooperate. If you don’t get help from a lawyer, it might be hard to prove your case or find the fleeing driver. Read on to learn the exact steps you need to take after a hit-and-run accident.
Prioritize Safety
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries immediately after the crash.
- Call 911 right away if someone is hurt and needs medical help.
- If your car is in the middle of traffic, move to a safe spot, but only if it’s safe to do so.
- Don’t try to chase the driver who is speeding away; it could be dangerous and could get you in trouble with the law.
Remember that some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show signs right away, even if you don’t feel hurt. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and see a doctor as soon as you can.
File a Report with the Police
Get in touch with the police to report the hit-and-run.
- Give a full account of what happened, including which way the other car fled.
- Share any information that can help them find the other driver or their car, such as the make, model, color, or part of the license plate number.
- Get a copy of the police report for your own records to show it to your insurance company.
The police report is an important piece of evidence that can be used in both legal and insurance cases. Also, you need to do it if you want to make a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.
Get Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
Get as much evidence as you can while you wait for the police.
- Take pictures of your car, the area around it, and any damage the accident caused.
- Check your car for paint marks that might belong to the other car.
- Find witnesses and get their contact information in case they can provide statements.
If there are nearby security cams, like those in parking lots or businesses, note where they are. Video footage may capture the fleeing driver and help police identify them later.
Let your Insurance Company Know
As soon as possible, tell your insurance company about the hit-and-run.
- Provide the evidence and information you have gathered, including the police report.
- Look at your insurance policy to see if it covers damage caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance.
- Check back to make sure your claim is being handled quickly.
When you file a claim quickly, your memory is still fresh, which can help you remember things correctly. Putting off the process could make it harder for you to get compensation.
Don’t Leave the Scene
You have to stay at the scene of the accident until the police come, even if the other driver has already left.
- If you leave the scene of an accident, you could face fines or criminal charges.
- Only leave if you need to call 911 from a place with better coverage and then come back right away.
Your being at the scene of the crime helps the police get the correct information and shows that you acted responsibly during the incident.
After a hit-and-run accident, you can protect your legal and financial rights by taking these steps and talking to a lawyer.
