How to Handle a Hit-and-Run Car Accident: 6 Steps To Take

Imagine you're driving home after a long day, only to be cut off by a car that didn't signal and took off before anything could be exchanged. It's almost too much of an annoyance at first — but then you realize you have just been involved in a hit-and-run accident. Suddenly the shock, some anger, and anxiety kick in. Almost nothing can feel as violating as someone who actively chooses to leave without providing the information needed to investigate the incident properly.

While the situation may be stressful, remaining calm and following these guidelines is crucial to ensure your safety, gather important information, and increase the chances of identifying the responsible party.

1. Seek Professional Legal Advice

The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be difficult to manage on your own, so it's important to seek professional legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. A car accident lawyer will have the expertise and resources required to investigate your case further and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for any medical bills, vehicular damages, or other expenses that resulted from the accident.

In addition, legal representation can help you receive compensation for any pain and suffering caused by the incident and lost wages if you have to take time off work due to your injuries. To ensure that all your rights and interests are protected, enlisting the help of a personal injury lawyer is the best way to go.

2. Stop Your Car and Check for Injuries

The sudden impact of a collision can cause shock and adrenaline to mask pain, so it's important to check for any signs of discomfort or injury. Take a moment to evaluate your physical condition and, if necessary, call emergency services by dialing 999. Prompt medical attention should be sought for any serious injuries, as the well-being of you and your passengers is of utmost importance.

Calling 999 is especially crucial if you or anyone involved in the accident requires immediate medical assistance. The emergency dispatchers will guide you through the necessary steps and dispatch appropriate medical personnel to the scene. Even if there are no apparent injuries, informing the authorities about the hit-and-run incident is still advisable. They can document the accident and provide you with a police report, which will be essential for insurance claims and any subsequent investigation.

3. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene

Car accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, leaving us shaken and unsure about what to do next. However, there are a few critical steps that you need to take to ensure that you can file an insurance claim and have any damages or injuries attended to. One crucial step is to take pictures of the accident scene, including any damages to your car and the other vehicle's license plate number.

These pictures can serve as valuable evidence when filing your insurance claim should there be disputes about who is at fault. While it may feel overwhelming at the moment, taking the time to capture images can make all the difference in the long run. Ensure you take several pictures from multiple angles to capture all the details and then save them in a secure location.

4. Report the Incident

As soon as possible after the incident, contact the police and provide them with all the relevant details you have gathered. If available, this includes information about the other vehicle involved, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number. Additionally, provide them with a description of the incident, including the accident's time, date, and location. The more detailed and accurate the information you provide, the better the authorities' chances of identifying the responsible party.

Filing a police report not only helps initiate an official investigation but also serves as a crucial piece of documentation for insurance purposes. The police report is an official accident record and can support your insurance claim. It is essential to obtain a copy of the police report for your records. The report may also help track down any witnesses or surveillance footage that could aid in identifying the hit-and-run driver.

5. Get Witness Contact Information

In the worst-case scenario, it's possible that the responsible driver does not come forward—but there is still hope for identifying the car owner and filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. One of the most important steps you can take is to collect witness contact information. Witnesses to a hit-and-run accident may be able to help identify the car or driver who left the scene and provide valuable testimony for any legal proceedings that may follow.

Write down the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the accident. If they are willing, ask them to provide an account of what they remember seeing and have them take pictures of the scene. The more information you can provide to the authorities, the better your chances of receiving justice.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

Informing your insurance company about the incident is another critical step that you must take after a hit-and-run car accident. The insurance company will work with the police and any available witnesses to identify the responsible driver, whether it be through surveillance video, credit card information from nearby gas stations, or other useful data. Typically, the police report will be sufficient for an insurance claim, but there may be other evidence that you have to provide as well.

The sooner you inform your insurance company about the incident, the better. This is because hit-and-run cases often require a certain degree of urgency to ensure the responsible party is found and held accountable. Start a claim as soon as possible, and provide your insurance provider with all the relevant information they need, such as photos of the accident scene, witness contact information, and any other details that could be useful in their investigation.

Hit-and-run car accidents are frightening experiences that can leave you overwhelmed and frightened. However, understanding the necessary steps in such a situation can help keep you safe and protect your rights. Following these tips will ensure that you do everything possible to hold the responsible driver accountable and get justice for any damages or injuries from the incident.