What To Do After A Hit and Run
As if a car accident isn’t bad enough, sometimes the other driver decides to take off. While it can be tough to think straight following a hit-and-run, there are a few things you can do after the accident to protect yourself:
1. Move to a safe place. After impact, make sure everyone in the vehicle is uninjured. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention. If everyone is unharmed and the vehicle is still drivable, move to the side of the road or somewhere else safe.
2. Call the police. Filing a police report is an important step to take. If the accident is minor, call the nonemergency number for the police. If an officer cannot come to the scene, you can file a report at the nearest police station.
3. Document the accident. Take photos of the damage. Write down anything you remember about the other car, including the color, make, model and any of the license plate number. Ask for contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
4. Call your insurance agent. Call your car insurance company to file a claim. The more documentation you have (like photos and a police report) the easier the claims process will be.
5. Seek medical care. If you are seriously injured, medical care is the first priority. But even in minor accidents, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor to make sure there are no injuries that could worsen over time.
6. Consider hiring an attorney. You may need legal assistance when it comes to receiving compensation for the accident, particularly if the at-fault driver is found.
Hopefully you will never experience a hit-and-run accident, but if you do, we are here to help guide you through the situation and make the aftermath as stress-free as possible.
