Being involved in any type of accident can be jarring and frightening, especially when the other motorist speeds away and you are left alone with your injuries. If you are ever the victim of a hit and run accident, there are steps you can take to make handling a claim easier and more beneficial. You can get compensation for your injuries, even if you don't know who hit you.
A hit and run accident is defined as a motor vehicle accident where the at-fault driver flees after the incident. A federal hit and run statute exists nationwide in order to protect all drivers and pedestrians, and is a law that requires motorists who are involved in a collision to remain at the scene of the accident, exchange information with the other driver(s) and/or to file a police report. Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious charge. Unfortunately, the statute is a law that is not always followed. Especially in cases in which the other driver is drunk behind the wheel or uninsured, they may drive away to avoid a DUI charge and major expenses.
Although it may be tempting to chase down the other driver when you are the victim of a hit and run, doing so could put you in a compromising position. Not only could the other motorist be dangerous, but you would also be fleeing the scene of the accident where there would be potential for witnesses statements and key evidence that may aid your claim and help the police track down the other driver. The steps to take after a hit and run are nearly identical to the process after any other type of accident – it will be up to the police to work with the information that you provide to try to find the other driver.
First, assess the situation and make sure you are safe. If you are injured call the police or an ambulance before taking any further steps. Next, if you have not sustained any serious injuries you should record as much information as you can recall about the accident. This includes taking photos, observing the location of the accident, what caused the crash to occur, and the make, model, color, license plate number and/or any distinguishing features that you can remember about the other vehicle.
Being the victim in a collision can be alarming enough to make you forget key information, but remember that witnesses are always likely to be around and chances are they were able to capture more information than you. That's why it is important to get the names and contact information of any and all witnesses. You can then ask them to supply a statement to the police either by waiting for the arrival of the officer, or by writing down their recollection of the events that led to the accident.
Next, note any damage that has been done to your vehicle and your body. Be sure to save receipts of repairs that you make to your vehicle due to damage done by the crash, as well as paperwork that shows any medical expenses.
Finally, speak with your insurance company. Remember that the more information you are able to provide to the police, the more likely they will be to find the other driver. Motorists who are at-fault in hit and run accidents can be charged with civil and criminal penalties. Punishments generally include payment of damages done to the other party, fines, possible jail time, suspension of driver’s license and various other penalties.
