How to Deal With a Hit and Run?
A hit-and-run is a scary and traumatic experience. If you are involved in a car crash, it is important to know what to do to protect your rights and to make sure that the police have all the details they need to find the at-fault driver.
It is also important to understand that hit-and-run accidents are a serious matter in New York, where felony charges are possible if you leave the scene of an accident without reporting it. These penalties can be significant and can affect your future, especially if you are trying to get your license back or are trying to get into another car.
1. Stay calm
The first thing you should do after a hit-and-run is to stay calm. Often, these kinds of accidents can evoke intense emotions including anger, fear, and anxiety. Keeping your cool will help you deal with the situation more effectively and allow you to collect valuable evidence.
2. Gather witness information
After a car accident, it is easy to forget certain details, so it’s a good idea to write down everything you can remember as soon as you can. This will ensure that your memory is as clear as possible when you need to recall it later on.
3. Take pictures
After any car accident, it is important to take pictures of the damage. This will help you to determine how much it has cost to repair the damages and can be useful if you need to file an insurance claim for the accident.
4. Collect information from the victim
The law requires that you report any accident to the police as soon as possible. You can do this by calling 911 or your local police department, and they will be able to provide you with a report that includes all the necessary details. This will give the police all of the information they need to find the at-fault party and recover any compensation you may be entitled to under your policy.
5. Gather any insurance contact information
If you are a victim of a hit and run, you should be able to file a claim with your own insurance company under New York’s PIP insurance law. This is an important step, as it will allow you to receive compensation for your injuries and damages if the at-fault driver cannot be located.
6. Contact your attorney
After a hit and run, you should not wait to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. This is because your injury may be permanent, and you will want to ensure that you get the proper medical care and compensation. An experienced hit-and-run lawyer will be able to assess the damages you are owed and help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
The police will also be able to provide you with updates on the investigation as they pursue the at-fault driver, but this will depend on many factors, including how responsive the police department is and whether they have any leads. Generally, they will be able to provide you with an update within two to four weeks of filing the initial report.