Being involved in any type of motor vehicle accident is always stressful, but it can be even more overwhelming when the other party flees the scene. When a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene, this is known as a hit-and-run accident. You probably know what needs to be done after a car accident, but what happens next if the other driver is unavailable?
HOW TO DEAL WITH THE AFTERMATH OF A HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT
In many ways, the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident is not unlike an accident when the other driver remains at the scene. The primary difference is you will not have access to the other driver’s information, which is where the complications will arise.
That said, these are the most important steps you should take after being involved in a hit-and-run accident:
- Dial 9-1-1 to report the accident and let them know if you or anyone else was injured and in need of emergency medical attention. Even if no one is injured, the officer should still write up a police report when he or she arrives. Try to provide as much information as you can remember regarding the other vehicle, including the make, model, and color of the vehicle. If you can remember part of the license plate number, provide that as well.
- If there were any witnesses at the scene, get their information as well. Your insurance company will likely want to contact them for your claim.
- Take as many pictures as possible, including the area where it occurred, the damage your vehicle sustained, and any visible injuries. The other vehicle might have transferred some of its paint onto yours when it hit, so try to capture these details.
- Contact your insurance company to report the incident and be ready to provide as many details as you can. The more information you can provide, the smoother this process will go.
Remember, a hit-and-run is a crime, so the most crucial step you can take is to report it to the police within 24 hours. Failure to do so can harm your chances of obtaining compensation and might even impact your car insurance premium.
CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY!
If you sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident, you still have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries and property damage. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC, our personal injury team is backed by a track record of proven success, including over three dozen million-dollar verdicts and settlements. You can rely on our knowledgeable and professional staff to provide the personalized attention you deserve during this difficult time. Additionally, we understand you need time to focus on recovering from your injuries, which is why we accept cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay us any legal fees unless we are able to win your case.
Call our law office today at 918-492-7674 to schedule a free case assessment with a compassionate member of our legal team.