Involved in a Hit-and-Run? Here’s What You Should Do

Motor vehicle accidents can be frightening, but when they involve a “hit-and-run” scenario, they can be particularly devastating on many levels. When a motorist collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist and proceeds to leave the scene without stopping, it is considered a hit-and-run. Those injured in a hit-and-run accident are often left panic-stricken and confused on how to proceed – especially if the runaway driver was at fault for your injuries. It can be extremely difficult to find the hit-and-run driver and many victims are left seeking compensation from their own insurance company. Therefore, it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you reach the best possible settlement.

To help your hit-and-run case, here are some steps you can take immediately following your accident:

Stay in Place
It is important to resist the urge to chase the escaped motorists who hit you. Your physical and cognitive abilities mayn be limited due to injuries and anger, which makes getting in your vehicle and driving a dangerous idea. Plus, there is information you need to gather at the scene.

Call 911
Your first action step is to call 911. Give the police as much information as possible, as this report will be on file when your lawyer helps you file the claim.

Record Details
Important details can be forgotten if you wait too long. As soon as you are able, record any remembered details of the accident. Do you recall the make, model and color of the car that hit you? What did the driver look like? Did you get a glimpse of the license plate? Which direction was he or she traveling? This can be done by writing it down, or more conveniently by simply recording yourself using your smartphone.

Take Pictures
Photos are a vital component of your hit-and-run case. Use your phone and capture photos of your vehicle, your injuries and the surrounding scene of the accident (skid marks, traffic signs, etc). Don’t be afraid to go overboard – multiple angles of the same object can be helpful for police, attorneys and/or an investigating team.

Identify Witnesses
If you suspect that someone else saw the accident, it is extremely helpful to talk to the person to get information. Witness statements in a police report can be integral in not only finding the escaped motorist but also helping you obtain a fair settlement.

Contact Your Insurance Company
It will be necessary to notify your insurance company and begin the claims process after a hit-and-run accident. However, this can be done with the assistance of a skilled traffic accident lawyer to ensure you get the best possible outcome.

Contact Darrell T. Farr Today!

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, please call our office for assistance. We understand how traumatic these types of motor vehicle accidents can be, and we will work hard to help you get fair compensation from such an unfair situation.