Road accidents are bound to happen. Sometimes because of a negligent driver and other times out of incidences beyond our control. In a normal accident world, both the victim and the person at fault remain at the scene and make arrangements on how to handle the misfortune.
When the person at fault decides to flee the scene, we term that as a hit-and-run accident. The driver at fault realizes their mistakes, but they are not willing to face the consequences.
Road surveillance technology enables the traffic police to capture the culprits but still, numerous hit and run accidents are reported yearly. Hit and run accidents include hitting another car at the parking lot, car crashes, hitting pedestrians and cyclists, among others.
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What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
You deserve compensation for the damages caused after a hit-and-run accident. The actions you take after determines if you will get the right compensation. Below are suggestions of what you should do.
1. Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
Like any other accident, the first thing is to check if you are injured. This is under the assumption that you are not badly injured and you can still feel yourself. If anyone is hurt, call the ambulance. Remember that people matter more than crumbled glasses, so you should take care of yourself and others first.
If you witness a hit-and-run accident, try and help the victims within your capability. Call the ambulance and the police in cases of severe injuries or death.
2. Take Note of the License Plate Number of the Other Vehicle
If someone hit your car and you saw their license plate number, try and note it. You can write it down, memorize it, or thanks to your phone you can zoom in and take a picture.
This information will help the police with tracking down the vehicle involved. You should as well give your insurance company the plate number. Other than that, the make, model, and color of the vehicle will be of great help to the authorities.
3. Call the Police
If the police have not yet arrived at the scene, give them a call. Describe the accident and provide them with all the information you have about the car and most importantly the license plate number above.
Resist the temptation to follow and confront the driver. Remain at the scene until the authorities arrive. The person escaped for a reason and it is best if you let the police handle that on your behalf.
4. Rely on Witnesses
Accidents are traumatic, if you are too shaken to remember anything, ask people who might have witnessed the accident to give that information to the police. Some might be kind enough to remain at the scene until evidence is collected. If they cannot stay, ask for their contact information.
5. Contact Your Attorney
After a hit-and-run accident, you should get compensation from the driver at fault or your insurance company. The best person to advise you on the best course of action is your attorney. They will work hand in hand with the insurance company and at times use their own means until the driver at fault is found and held responsible.
You deserve compensation regardless of whether the driver at fault is found. Navigating this process on your own will not be easy. Leave the mess to your lawyer who will deal with the insurance company until you get what you are rightfully owed.
Just like any other accident, hit and run accidents can happen to anyone. If you happen to find yourself in one, gather evidence about the other vehicle, call the authorities and inform your insurance company and lawyer immediately.
