This Is What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

Getting in a car accident is bad enough, but when the other driver speeds away from the scene of the accident without first exchanging their details it just makes matters worse.

When you’re in a car accident, the number one rule is that you must stay and exchange details with the other driver. Fleeing the scene of a crash could leave you with a hefty fine, the loss of your license, or even facing jail time.

So, do you know what you should do following a hit and run accident?

In this article, we’ll talk you through the most important steps to take if you’ve found yourself the victim of a hit and run car accident.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident is one in which one party drives away from the scene of the collision. Even if the crash was just a fender bender, it’s important to still stop and swap details with the other driver.

At least one hit and run accident happen every minute in the United States.

There are many reasons why someone might decide to flee from the scene of an accident. These might include:

Not having any auto insurance
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
They were already doing something that is illegal before the accident
The vehicle was stolen
The driver was distracted using their cell phone
Not having a license

Whatever the reasons for driving off from the scene of an accident, the driver is guilty of committing a crime and will likely face criminal charges once they are caught.

Try to Stay Calm

If you find yourself being the victim of a hit and run accident, the first thing that you should do is to stay calm. Emotions will be running high and you’ll no doubt feel a rush of adrenaline as the panic sets in following the accident.

Try and remain as calm as possible so that you can focus on the next few steps with a clear head.

Remain Where You Are

You may be tempted to speed off and run after the other driver, however, doing this puts your safety and the safety of other road users in jeopardy.

Staying where you are will mean that you won’t incur any penalties yourself, and you’ll be able to gather evidence at the scene of the accident much easier.

Pull your car to a safe spot and check whether anyone in your vehicle has any injuries. If you need to call 911 to get an ambulance out to the scene of the accident, do so now.

Record the Most Important Information

While the incident is still fresh in your memory, try and note down as much information about the other vehicle and the accident as you possibly can.

Some examples of useful information would be:

The vehicle’s license plate number
The make and model of the vehicle
What color the vehicle is
What year the vehicle was made
The location and time of the accident
A description of the driver
Which direction the vehicle was headed

If possible, try to take a photo or video of the vehicle from your phone before they get away fully. This will give you, the police, and your car accident lawyer all the information they need to pursue the matter further.

Find Witnesses

A hit and run accident is bound to attract some attention from passers-by. While you’re at the scene of the accident still, ask around to see whether anyone saw the accident.

Try and take some basic contact information from them so that the police can speak with them and corroborate your version of events.

Report the Incident to the Police

While you’re still at the scene of the accident, you should report the collision to the police. You can do this by calling 911. The police should attend the scene of the accident.

Once the police arrive, you’ll be able to provide them with as much information as you have managed to gather.

Contact Your Insurance Company

At the earliest possible convenient time, get in touch with your insurance company and get the ball rolling on processing your claim.

You’ll need to check with your insurance company to ensure you’re covered for this type of occurrence. Some policies don’t cover you for a hit and run accident. It’s always best to ensure you have adequate coverage before this type of thing happens.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Just because you have insurance in place, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your insurance company will be forthcoming in paying out any compensation that is due to you.

This is where a car accident attorney will come in very useful. A car accident lawyer will be able to advocate on your behalf to ensure you get every dollar that you deserve.

If required, your attorney can initiate a lawsuit against your insurance company to ensure that they take action to meet their legal obligations to you.

Have You Been In a Hit and Run Accident?

If you’ve been in a hit and run accident and need legal assistance, Cummings Law will fight for the compensation that you deserve. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we’ll be able to get to work on your case.

Posted in: Car Accidents