Imagine being the victim of a car accident, and then the at-fault driver leaves the scene immediately. In a hit-and-run accident, the victim is left to deal with a whirlwind of emotions and confusion. It doesn’t matter if the hit-and-run occurred on a quick trip to the grocery store or a long drive on the highway.
In any scenario, understanding the right steps to take afterward can help you navigate the legal landscape more confidently. Keep reading to find a breakdown of the legal steps you should follow, plus some practical advice for how to handle the situation.
Put Your Safety First
Although the emotions will seem overwhelming, don’t let them get in the way of your safety and the safety of any passengers after a hit-and-run accident. Move to the safest location possible to avoid traffic or other dangers on the road.
At night, a damaged or stalled car will be harder for other drivers to see. If anyone is injured, call 911 to seek medical assistance right away. Doing this has the added benefit of creating a record of the accident that can be useful later during the legal process.
Collect Information
Car accidents can make it difficult for victims to focus on anything other than the trauma they’re enduring. But try to gather as much information as you can about the vehicle that fled the scene. Write down the color, make, model, and any other critical details, like front-end damage or a unique paint job. If there are any witnesses, gather their contact information.
Additionally, take photos of the scene and the damage to your vehicle and your surroundings.
Reach Out to Law Enforcement
Be sure to report the hit-and-run to the police right after it happens. In many states, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, and the police will open an investigation. Give law enforcement officials all the information you’ve gathered.
Understand that filing a police report generates an official record of the incident, and this is essential for insurance claims and legal actions down the line.
Pursue Legal Assistance
Legal action after a hit-and-run can vary depending on the situation and jurisdiction. Speak with a lawyer who specializes in hit-and-run cases so you are clear on the steps required for moving forward with a case.
Even if the at-fault driver is not found, legal protections and compensation options do exist through uninsured motorist coverage or other resources. A car accident lawyer in Tucson can guide you on what’s best based on your situation.
File an Insurance Claim
Plan on notifying your insurance company to begin the claims process. Depending on your policy, some coverage options, like uninsured motorist coverage, can help defray the full cost of car repairs and medical expenses.
In general, you’ll need to provide the insurance company with the police report, witness information, and photos from the scene to make headway.
Monitor Your Claim
After filing the police report and your claim, track updates from both the police and your insurance company.
Touch base with law enforcement to stay informed on the status of their investigation. And don’t give up hope that the perpetrator will be caught. In some cases, security camera footage or witness tips may identify the driver days or weeks after the accident.
Take the Right Steps
A hit-and-run can be a devastating ordeal, but knowing the steps to take afterward can bring some clarity to the situation. Prioritize your safety first, and then document the incident.
Reach out to the police and consult a lawyer to improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. You might be surprised by the level of support you’ll receive.
