Each year, more than 680,000 hit-and-run accidents occur in the U.S.
While they may be common, becoming the victim of an accident is still scary, and confusing. Understanding what to do after a hit-and-run accident can help. Keep reading to learn more.
Stay Where You Are
When a car clips your own at an intersection and then speeds off, your first reaction might be to follow them. This is a big mistake.
Regardless of the circumstances, trying to follow the other car can have devastating consequences.
The other driver may become violent. Or, in your confusion, you could cause another accident. The other driver may hasten their escape, and wind up injuring someone else in their attempt to getaway.
Rather than trying to follow, bring your own vehicle to a stop in a safe spot, and stay where you are.
Take Down Any Details You Remember
If you were not seriously injured in the hit-and-run accident, the first thing you should do is take down any and all details you noticed. Consider the make and model of the car, the color, and any details about the driver or passengers that you might have spotted.
If you don’t have a pen and paper, you can always make a note on your phone.
Check for Witnesses
Depending on where the accident took place, there may have been witnesses. If other drivers have pulled over to assist or you notice any pedestrians nearby, ask whether they saw the accident.
If they did, ask them to stick around to speak to the police when they arrive on the scene. While it’s best that they stick around, if they won’t, you can also ask for their name and contact information. The police officer taking the hit-and-run accident report or your attorney if you choose to hire one may contact the witness to ask what he or she saw.
Call 911
Making a note of details about the person responsible for the accident and asking any witnesses to stay are things you should do as quickly as possible after an accident.
But once those are done and before you think about leaving or calling for a tow truck, you need to call the police.
While your car may still be drivable, you’ll want an officer to begin the accident report at the scene of the accident. This will allow them to take crucial notes about the scene and check to see if there were any security cameras nearby.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were seriously injured in the hit and run auto accident, you’ll likely need to skip these steps and instead go straight to the hospital. But even if you weren’t seriously injured, you may still need to seek medical attention.
If there is any chance that you were hurt, it’s important to see a doctor. When the person responsible is caught, having your injuries documented will be crucial when you file a case against them.
Call Your Lawyer
If the person who caused your accident isn’t caught, you’ll need to file claims with your own insurance company. However, if they are caught, you’ll likely want to call your lawyer.
An attorney will help you gather evidence and seek fair compensation from the person responsible for the accident and your injuries.
To learn more about your rights as a victim and how to hire an attorney, check out Sweetlaw.com.
Dealing with a Hit-and-Run Accident
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be scary and frustrating. But staying calm and following these steps can help you increase your chances of catching the person responsible.
If you found these tips helpful, check out the rest of our legal blog.
