Between 2012 and 2021, there were a total of 1,992,143 hit-and-run incidents resulting in injuries in the United States.
It’s scary to be part of one, and you might not know what to do afterward.
Whether you were in the car that got hit or saw it happen, it’s important to know what steps to take.
A hit and run accident attorney can help you with the legal process of filing a claim and investing the case.
This article gives you easy-to-follow hit and run accident tips to help you stay safe.
Table of Contents
What is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident is when the person responsible for the accident leaves without sharing insurance details or helping the injured.
In some places, even if only one vehicle is involved, it’s still considered a hit and run if the driver doesn’t report the accident. So, even if it’s just one vehicle, these accidents still need to be reported.
Hit and Run Accident Tips
Car accidents are already tough, and being abandoned to handle them alone makes it even harder. If you’re in this situation, follow these hit and run accident tips:
1. Stay calm
Feeling scared or nervous after a hit-and-run is natural. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Staying composed and checking how you’re doing will help you handle things better.
2. Make sure everyone is safe
After a hit and run, ensure you’re okay and not hurt badly. Then, check if your passengers are safe, too.
Sometimes, shock can make you miss an injury. So, carefully check yourself for any cuts or if you can’t move properly.
See if you can move your car out of traffic safely. If you can’t, get out and go somewhere safe away from traffic.
3. Call emergency services
The first and most important thing to do after a hit and run are to call emergency services. This helps with insurance claims later on. Call 911 now if you haven’t already done so.
Don’t wait too long to report the crash to the police. Ask the officer for a report copy, as your insurance might need it.
4. Gather information and evidence
While you wait for the police, write down everything you remember about the other driver and their car. Here’s what to note:
- Where, when, and how the accident happened.
- License plate number, model, make color, and the car’s special features.
- The gender, hair color, race, clothes, and any unique features of the driver.
- Take pictures of the area.
- Take pictures of your car’s damage.
- If there were witnesses, ask them if they saw anything you missed.
- Get their contact info if they might help the police later.
5. Inform Your Insurance provider
Next, get in touch with your insurance provider to start a claim. Every insurance company has its own rules.
Some need claims within 24 hours, while others allow up to 30 days. But it’s best to start right away so you remember everything clearly.
6. Don’t leave the accident scene
Don’t chase them in anger even if the other driver took off. If it’s just you in the accident, stay until the police come.
If you’re fine and your car’s fine, you may feel like going home to calm down. But leaving is against the law, so stay put until the police say you can go.
7. Contact a hit and run accident attorney
Though a major accident’s pain and stress will never cease, a fair settlement can ease financial burdens. You can contact a hit and run accident attorney to help you file a claim to seek compensation from the person liable for the accident.