What to Do If You Are Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it can be an especially stressful situation. The crash is traumatic, and the person who flees the scene may be uninsured or under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
There are steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family from harm and recover compensation for your injuries. Here are some things to do after a hit-and-run:
Make Detailed Notes
Often, in a hit-and-run accident, you only have seconds to make any observations about the other driver. You should collect all the details you can about the car, including its license plate number and its make and model. This information will help the police make a report and possibly catch the perpetrator.
Collect Witness Information
It is important to get the names and contact information of any witnesses who were present when the accident occurred. This will help investigators identify the driver and ensure that you are not being blamed for the crash.
Call 911 and Stay Put
Once you have made a police report, it is critical that you remain at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives. This will prevent you from being charged with leaving the scene of an accident and also allow you to be properly evaluated by emergency medical personnel.
Take Pictures
The images that you take from the scene of your accident can be very helpful to your insurance company and attorney if you decide to file a claim. The photos can document your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the circumstances of the accident.
Gather the Driver’s Info
Depending on your state’s laws, it is important to gather any and all identifying details that you can about the driver of the vehicle that hit you. These details can include the driver’s gender, age, race, hair color, and other physical characteristics.
Keep a Record of Your Injuries
If you are injured in an accident, it is vital that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. You should not delay in getting medical care, as it can lead to complications and exacerbation of your injuries.
Seek Legal Representation
You should consult with a New York car accident lawyer as soon as you can after the incident to determine your options for pursuing financial recovery. This will give you the best chance of achieving the highest possible outcome for your case.
Find Out Whether the Other Party Was Insured
If the driver involved in your hit-and-run accident was insured, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages through your own auto insurance policy. However, you should first speak with a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer to assess your options.
Consider Your Injuries
The accident may have left you with severe injuries such as spinal cord injury, broken bones, and soft tissue trauma. These can be difficult to diagnose, but getting treated quickly will help you in the long run.