What To Do If You’re Involved in a Hit-And-Run – Guest Post

A so-called “normal” auto accident is of course very stressful. However, should you be hit by a hit-and-run driver, your stress level will go even higher. Along with being upset about the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you sustained, you will also be furious that the other driver simply drove off without taking responsibility for their actions. Should you be involved in a hit-and-run, take the following action right away.

Call Police

First, always call police as quickly as you can following the accident. When doing so, always advise police you are a hit-and-run victim. Also, try to give police any information you can about the vehicle that hit you, such as its make and model, color, and license plate number. The police can file a report about the incident, which will help with record-keeping of the event and any legal proceedings moving forward.

Don’t Try to Follow the Driver

Though you may be tempted to do so, never try to follow the driver that caused your accident. Should you let poor judgment prevail, you may be putting yourself in an even more dangerous situation should you catch up to the driver. Also, if you leave the accident scene, police may begin to question just who was really responsible for causing the accident. For these reasons, it is important that you stay put after your collision.

Hire an Attorney

Once you have received medical treatment for your injuries, contact a car accident attorney with a track record of success in hit-and-run accidents. In doing so, you will have legal counsel who can speak on your behalf to the hit-and-run driver’s attorney and insurer, gather additional evidence about the accident, advise you of your legal rights as your case works its way through court, and build a strong case that will help negotiate an out-of-court settlement for maximum compensation. An experienced attorney can make this process much easier and sort through the legalities while you recover.

Get Eyewitness Accounts

In almost any hit-and-run accident, there are eyewitnesses nearby who saw the whole thing. Rather than trying to follow the driver, choose instead to remain at the accident scene and get as many eyewitness accounts as you can about what happened. While doing so, also be sure to get their names and contact information, since your lawyer will likely want to interview them as well. The more eyewitness accounts you have that match your description of the accident, the greater the chances you will be able to win your case and get the money you need to cover your medical expenses, replace any income you lose from missing work, and help repair or replace your vehicle.

By keeping cool and listening to your attorney as your case progresses, you will gain the compensation you deserve and have the satisfaction of seeing the driver who hit you be held accountable for their actions. Make sure to collect evidence as best as you can and follow legal advice for the greatest outcome.