Getting involved in a car accident can ruin your day. But, if that accident is a hit-and-run, the experience can disorient you even more. In such an accident, the other party flees the accident scene even before you get out of your car after you realize you’ve been hit.
Depending on where you live, leaving an accident scene can be treated as a criminal charge that results in license revocation, fines, or jail time.
Although the charges can attract steep penalties, drivers flee accident scenes for reasons such as lack of insurance cover and driving under alcohol or drug influence. In some instances, drivers can flee accident scenes because they’ve already broken the law in other ways or because they don’t own the car they’re driving.
While a hit-and-run accident can feel overwhelming, the steps that you take next are critical to protecting yourself both financially and physically. If you find yourself in a hit-and-run accident, here are important things that you should do:
- Remain Calm
Any car accident can cause you to experience intense emotions, like fear, anger, and anxiety. However, to protect yourself and any other person who’s in the car with you, it’s important that you remain calm and collected. This is the only way that you can think clearly and act soberly. When you’re calm, you’ll also be able to document as much information about the accident as possible.
- Don’t Leave The Accident Scene
When you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, you’ll most likely be tempted to chase the other driver. However, leaving the scene of an accident will only complicate the situation and can even attract criminal charges. Instead of running after the other driver, stay where you are and move your car to safety off the road.
Check whether you or any of your passengers has been hurt and in need of medical attention. By remaining on the accident scene, you’ll be able to gather valuable evidence about the incident.
- Take Images Of The Accident Scene
Photos can provide you the evidence you need to proof damages and support your testimony after a hit-and-run accident. As such, ensure that you take photos of the accident scene from varying angles.
Ideally, the photos you take should include a full view of your car, as well as close-up images of any scratch or ding that appears on the car as a result of the hit-and-run. Pay attention to any debris that might have been left behind by the other accident party. Ensure that you take images of any paint that the other driver’s car may have left on the accident scene.
- Reach Out To Your Accident Lawyer And Insurance Provider
Like with any other car accident, you need to contact your lawyer and insurance provider as soon as a hit-and-run accident occurs. Talking to your lawyer and insurer enables you to get advice on what you’ll need to do next. Better still, your insurer will inform you on how you can file your claim.
- Recall And Document Accident Details
Try to recall as many useful details as possible about the accident. There are important details that you need to document and share with the police when they get to the accident scene. These include the model and make of the car that hit you.
If you took note of its license plate number, document the details as they’d be extremely helpful in tracking the other party down. While it’ll be difficult to identify the individual who hit you, every detail that you recall will be helpful to your insurance provider and the police.
- Identify Witnesses
Any car accident is bound to attract attention. Once you’re calm and safe, check around to see whether there are people who witnessed what just happened. If you’re able to identify witnesses who can confirm the events surrounding the accident, get their contact information and names. This will make it easier to solidify your testimony when you file it with the police.
- Inform The Police About The Accident
The other thing you’ll need to do when you’re involved in a road accident is to call the police and inform them of the accident. This is a critical thing to do, particularly when there’s someone who needs medical attention. In some states, anyone who’s involved in a car accident is required to call the police by the law. Informing law enforcement officials about a hit-and-run accident enables them to investigate that accident and file a report.
Final Thoughts
A hit-and-run accident can leave you devastated because the other accident party flees the scene as fast as they can. To ensure that you get the protection you need after the accident, take the seven actions discussed above.