What Can I Do About a Hit and Run?
After a car accident, the last thing you want to do is to leave the scene. This is because it can cause you to be charged with a crime that could lead to significant financial consequences. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself in a hit-and-run situation.
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First, make sure you call 911 and exchange contact information with the other driver, even if they say they’re fine. It’s important to get medical help as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat your injuries. If you are injured in a hit-and-run, a doctor will need to evaluate you and determine whether you need further treatment or not.
Second, gather any evidence you can find at the scene. This will help you build a case against the hit-and-run driver. Write down their vehicle’s details and license plate number, and take photos of the scene as well. You should also speak to any witnesses to the crash, as their statements could prove helpful.
Third, report the incident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. You can do this online or by calling your insurer.
Fourth, consider hiring a car accident lawyer to help you navigate your legal options. These lawyers will be familiar with the hit-and-run laws in your state and can assist you in filing a criminal or civil complaint against the other driver.
Fifth, if your insurance doesn’t cover the damages you’ve sustained in the accident, then it is imperative to seek out a different type of coverage. Liability coverage, for example, pays for the cost of damages to other people’s property up to the limits of your policy.
Sixth, it is always wise to carry additional insurance on your own vehicle, especially if you are uninsured or underinsured after an accident. This extra insurance could provide you with additional compensation if the hit-and-run driver is identified.
Seventh, if you do find the driver who caused the hit-and-run, contact the police as quickly as possible. This will ensure that the police can investigate and file a report to identify them and their vehicle.
Eighth, if you are unable to identify the driver or if you suspect they may not have proper insurance, then you should consider seeking out a different car insurance provider that does have coverage for uninsured drivers. This will help you pay for the damage that has been done to your vehicle and minimize any potential problems with your insurance company.
Ninth, if you believe the driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash, then it is important to contact your local law enforcement. They can give you a more accurate picture of the situation and help you avoid being arrested and charged for a crime that could have been avoided.
Tenth, it is important to remember that a hit and run is a serious crime that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This means that you can face hefty fines and years in jail if caught.