What to Do After a Hit and Run Case?

If you are involved in a hit-and-run car accident, it is fathomable that you feel confused, terrified, and angry. You may even feel clouded with thoughts as to who will pay for all the damages you suffered. However, there are certain steps that you must follow to ensure that the claim process in such cases is as smooth as possible.

It is also advisable to consult the services of a good car accident attorney to make the claim procedure less stressful. The attorneys at Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein LLP are highly qualified and experienced in dealing with all kinds of personal injury cases. They can help you gather the necessary evidence and ensure optimal financial recovery from the opposing party.

Moving on, here is how you can adequately handle a hit-and-run case.

What is Categorized as a Hit and Run Case?

A hit-and-run case is when a driver, who is typically at fault, escapes the scene of the accident without giving any contact details. Some of the most common instances of a hit and run case are:

• When a driver hits your vehicle and flees the scene instantly
• When a driver hits an unattended car and flees the scene without providing any contact details

What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

As the victim of the accident, you are liable by law to stay at the accident site. You may feel tempted to run after the driver to detain him. However, that may be dangerous and lead to chancy outcomes.

It is best to stay calm and call the police authorities as soon as possible because the accident report is crucial in such a case. You will need a proper report to file an insurance claim as well as to identify the hit-and-run driver. The sooner you inform the police, the sooner they can start acting on the case and look for the at-fault driver who may still be in the area.

Next, you must start gathering as many details about the accident and the driver as possible. To begin with, get the details of the vehicle that hit your car, including its make, model, color, and registration number. This information will help the police catch the hit-and-run driver. Also, check if there were any witnesses to the accident. If there were, make sure to collect their statements and contact details.

Additionally, make sure to gather the following details:

• Location and time of the accident
• Pictures of the accident spot
• Pictures of your vehicle and the places it was damaged in after the accident

All the aforementioned information will help you prove your claim to the insurance company and seek rightful compensation.

What Not To Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

Now that you know the immediate steps you must take after the accident, here are some things that you should avoid doing:

• Do not leave the accident site to chase the hit-and-run driver
• Do not block the traffic by waiting in the travel lane. Get the vehicle moved to a side
• Do not leave the accident site without informing the police or gathering the necessary information

Hire a Good Car Accident Attorney

A professional car accident attorney can help you file the claim with the insurance company if the hit-and-run driver is never identified. They can negotiate on your behalf and make sure you do not settle for an amount that is less than what you truly deserve.