What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
After getting into a car accident, the last thing you want to do is flee the scene. The stress and aftermath can be overwhelming. The best way to deal with it is to stay calm and follow a few simple steps that will help you recover financially and physically.
What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
It’s against the law for drivers to leave the scene of a car accident without reporting it. This is an act of negligence that can lead to serious consequences, including fines and jail time. It is also against the law to leave an injured person unattended at the scene of an accident.
In New York, a driver is required to stay at the scene of any accident involving another vehicle or a pedestrian. This is to give aid to anyone who may need it and provide contact information to police. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges for hit and run.
If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the crash, identify the responsible driver, and launch an investigation into how to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
What If I Can’t Find the Driver?
It can be extremely difficult to track down a hit-and-run driver, particularly if the victim was not wearing a seat belt or had an injury that did not show up until days after the incident. However, New York State does have a no-fault auto insurance system that can provide basic coverage for injuries and property damage, even if the other driver can’t be found.
Gather Witness Information
If there are witnesses, take their full names and contact information. This will provide valuable data to police officers and lawyers who will be working to determine if the at-fault driver is guilty of leaving the scene of the accident.
Write down a detailed account of the accident and make notes about who was involved, their vehicles, and any other identifying details. You can use these notes later when making a claim with your insurance company.
File a Police Report
If you have any witnesses, it is crucial to report the accident to the authorities as quickly as possible. The law requires that an official police report be filed within a certain amount of time, which can vary by state.
Call Your Insurance Agent
After a hit-and-run, it is critical to get in touch with your insurance agent immediately. The sooner you do this, the better your chances of securing the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and lost wages from your accident.
Ask for a copy of the police report when you meet with your insurance agent. This will allow them to assist you in filing an official complaint with the police and will ensure that your insurance benefits are not affected if the at-fault driver is ever identified or located.