Take mental or written notes about the fleeing driver, vehicle, license plate (even if partial), description of the driver, and direction they went. This information will help police investigate the incident and make it easier to recover from your losses.
Next, get prompt medical attention – the accident may have caused severe injuries that need to be documented. Also, medical documentation can be helpful when filing an insurance claim. Here are helpful tips after a hit and run accident:
Call 911
While the primary concern following a car crash is ensuring everyone’s safety, it is also essential to call 911 so police can arrive and file an official accident report. An official accident report can help police look for the hit-and-run driver and will be helpful when filing your auto insurance claim.
In addition, you should try to identify witnesses at the crash scene. Having eyewitness testimony can significantly increase the chances of identifying a hit-and-run driver. See if witnesses can recall any identifying information, such as the car’s brand, model, or license plate number. You can also ask witnesses for their names and contact details. Taking notes of what they recall can be helpful as well.
Take Pictures
Photographs of skid marks, damage to both cars, and debris that may have contributed to the crash will be invaluable evidence in a lawsuit.
In addition to photos, jot down any details that come to mind about the offending vehicle and what direction it went. Also, talk to any witnesses and get their contact information. Witness testimony can be instrumental as it provides an unbiased account of what happened from a different perspective.
Finally, take pictures of any injuries you sustain, which will also be important to record.
Stay at the Scene
Getting hit by a vehicle and watching it speed away is a terrifying experience. While your priority should be the safety of you and your passengers, there are a few things you can do to gather information to help catch the culprit.
You can jot down the driver’s or the vehicle’s details, including identifying marks or features. Also, consider asking any witnesses for their contact information. Witnesses can provide a fresh vantage point and offer more insight into the accident that could be helpful to your case.
The more detail you can provide law enforcement, the more likely they are to be able to identify the car and its driver. Plus, it will also make filing an insurance claim for compensation easier.
Report the Accident
A hit-and-run is one of the worst car accidents you can experience. It’s not only a crime, but it also deprives you of the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damage.
That’s why it is so essential that you report the accident to the police right away. Even if the police don’t catch the driver, the official accident report will help when you file your insurance claim.
Try to recall details about the car that caused the crash, like its make, model, or color. Even a partial license plate number could be helpful to police in tracking down the driver.
Contact an Attorney
Even though it can be challenging to find a driver who leaves the scene of an accident, the law stipulates that if you make an insurance claim, you can be compensated for your pain and suffering and your medical expenses. To do so, you must provide police with identifying information that might help them find the offending driver. Look for witnesses nearby, especially people who work at restaurants and shops. Ask them if they saw the crash and their names, phone numbers, and addresses.
A car accident attorney can investigate who hit your vehicle, how and why the collision happened, and how to find the at-fault driver.