What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident – Guest Post

Hit and run accidents can be distressing, leaving the victim shaken and confused. These accidents are termed as such because the driver chooses to flee the scene rather than provide aid or information. Therefore, the victim should take certain critical steps after a hit and run accident for safety and to get compensation.

First Steps to Take

The crash site and the immediate time are chaotic. However, you should stay calm and prioritize safety. You should move to a safer location, check for injuries, call 911, and report the accident.

Law enforcement is required to document the scene. An accident report from law enforcement plays a vital role in the insurance or legal claim. Next, medical assistance should be sought without delay, irrespective of any visible injury.

Actions after a hit and run accident will protect you physically and secure you legally. Care should be taken to preserve evidence, cooperate with authorities, and notify the insurance company of claims.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

Evidence plays a pivotal role in a hit and run case. Therefore, if possible, gather as much information from the accident site as possible, such as the time, location, and circumstances of the crash. Record the details of the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, or license plate, immediately.

Additionally, gather and record the witness statements and contact information to help prove your case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on its website emphasizes the dangers of hit and run accidents and the importance of reporting and recording them promptly.

Additionally, gather footage of the collision from the business and traffic cameras. Understand that the minutest details from the police reports, medical records, and photographs of the damage will strengthen your case. The records should be gathered and filed meticulously.

Notify Your Insurance Company

In the event of inability to locate the at-fault driver, victims should notify the insurance provider immediately. Based on the policies, uninsured motorist coverage may be available and can provide compensation for injuries or property damage to a hit and run victim.

Timely reporting of the incident is essential, as delays can limit the availability of the policy benefits. Additionally, the insurance agencies will also help complete the claims process as well as understand the benefits covered under the policy.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Hit and run accident victims often face financial burdens, such as medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and loss of earnings. Resorting to legal recourse will require filing a claim against the at-fault driver if they have been identified. If the at-fault driver has not been identified, the uninsured motorist coverage should be claimed.

In incidents where the law enforcement investigations have been successful in identifying the fleeing driver, victims can pursue direct claims. Civil lawsuits also help recover damages. It is considered best to consult a legal professional, well-experienced in personal injury law, to help victims understand their options.

The process of claim can be understood in detail from the Insurance Information Institute (III) website. They also provide guidelines on how insurance companies handle accidents with both uninsured and unidentified drivers.

Long-Term Safety and Prevention

Victims are advised to seek medical help and follow medical advice thoroughly and regularly, such as medical care, maintaining detailed expense records, and practicing defensive driving strategies in the future. Awareness and preparedness can help reduce and prevent similar accidents in the future.

Although individuals can’t avoid hit and run accidents, knowing the process post-accident is helpful. Hiring an attorney, contacting emergency services and the insurance agency, gathering evidence, and proceeding with legal options are vital to protecting one’s rights.

Key Takeaways

• Remain calm and move to a safer place, check for any injuries, and report the accident by calling 911.
• Gather as much information as possible, such as pictures of the scene, your damages, identification of the vehicle at fault, witness information, etc.
• Always seek medical attention even if there are no visible injuries.
• Notify your insurance company and explore your coverage options.
• Consult a lawyer to understand your rights better and the options you have to get compensation.
• Keep a thorough record of all your damages.