No one ever imagines they will end up the victim of a car accident, but the reality is there are over 6 million accidents every year in the United States. This means it is highly likely you could be involved in an accident. If you do ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation it is best to be prepared with a plan of what to do in many different circumstances. One of these situations you should be prepared for is a hit and run accident.
A hit and run accident occurs when the responsible party of an accident does not stop to provide any information about themselves or their insurance. This can make filing an accident claim and collecting damages much more difficult for the victim of the accident. If you are involved in a hit and run accident, keep these steps in mind so you can protect your legal rights.
Try to Identify the Responsible Driver
After the accident, if you see that the driver that hit you is attempting to flee the scene, you have a limited amount of time to identify them. Every detail counts when it comes to identifying the driver. Take special note of the physical description of the vehicle and the driver, this evidence can be used to track down the driver later. The most important thing you can do is collect the license plate number from the car that hit you. This information can be used to find the registration of the car that hit you and identify the at-fault driver.
Do Not Follow the Driver
Many people’s first instinct when they see the other driver fleeing the scene is to follow them. Do not do that. Following the driver that caused your accident could lead to a dangerous confrontation. It is not worth putting your life at risk to track down the responsible driver. Instead, take-down any important details and wait until the police arrive at the scene.
Call the Police
As with any accident, it is in your best interest to call the police as soon as possible. In many cases, the police are able to track down the responsible driver within moments after the accident. The more information you are able to give to the police, the more likely they will be to find the person responsible. Telling the police the information you’ve collected including the make and model of the vehicle as well as any damage it sustained will make it easier for them to track down the driver. Not only will they conduct an investigation to find the at-fault driver, but they will also document the accident, providing the evidence you need to support your legal case.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
It’s important to collect any information you can at the scene of the accident. Not only is information about the responsible driver helpful, but taking pictures, collecting witness statements, or finding any security cameras in the area can help corroborate your case. Even if the details don’t seem important at the time, try to document as much as you can. You never know what piece of evidence could help solve your case.
Seek Medical Attention
After an accident, your health should always be the number one priority. Even if you feel you’ve sustained minor injuries or none at all, you should still visit a doctor to ensure there’s nothing to be worried about. The sooner you seek medical attention after an accident, the more likely it is that you will reduce the severity of any injuries you might have sustained. If you did suffer from any injuries, going to the doctor and obtaining medical records offers proof of your injuries when it comes time to collect damages.
Consider Working with an Attorney
One of the most important steps you can take after a hit and run accident is to speak with an attorney. An attorney can take care of everything needed for your case. Whether it’s investigating the identity of the responsible party or reviewing your insurance options, working with an attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident and need legal help call Greathouse Trial Law today.
