What to Do in a Hit and Run Accident

Feeling confused, scared, or angry after a car accident is normal. It’s even worse after a hit-and-run. Someone fled the scene instead of calling 911 and checking on you. It left you vulnerable and could have had fatal consequences if your injury was life-threatening.

Understanding what to do after a hit-and-run crash can give you hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. You must not hesitate to hire an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer and determine how to recover compensation.

How to Report a Hit-and-Run

You can report the hit-and-run accident by calling the police. An officer should investigate and write a report with their findings. The report is documentation you can use to prove there was a crash and the driver fled.

What You Should Do After Getting Hurt in a Hit-and-Run

Following multiple steps is critical to protect your rights and improve your chance of financial recovery in a claim with the insurance company. These steps include:

• Report the crash – Call 911 to report what happened and wait for an officer to arrive. You should not leave until they complete their investigation.
• Document relevant information – You should write down everything you remember while it’s fresh in your mind. Describe the other driver’s appearance and their vehicle’s make, model, and color. Explain the other motorist’s appearance, such as scars or tattoos, or describe noticeable dents or damage on their car.
• Gather evidence – If it’s safe to walk around and your injury isn’t too severe, collect evidence at the scene. Take pictures of the damage to your car, skid marks on the road, and your visible injuries. If you notice a piece of the other motorist’s car, inform law enforcement so they can preserve it as evidence.
• Speak to witnesses – Anyone who witnessed the collision can provide a statement to the police. Politely ask for their names and contact information and whether they will wait at the scene until an officer arrives.
• Treat your injuries – You must seek treatment immediately after leaving the crash scene. Even if your injury is minor, allowing a doctor to evaluate your condition and determine whether follow-up care is necessary is crucial. You should follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations if they suggest seeing physical therapy. Medical evidence is valuable in proving you sustained an injury in a car crash.
• Contact your insurer – You should file a claim with your auto insurer. Your insurance policy might require reporting an accident within a specific timeframe. It’s best to inform the insurance company promptly to avoid issues.

Will Insurance Cover My Injuries?

You have options if the at-fault driver flees the scene and law enforcement can’t identify and locate them. Review your insurance policy to determine the type of coverage you have.

Multiple coverages can compensate an accident victim after a hit-and-run accident, such as:

• Uninsured motorist (UM) – UM insurance pays medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault motorist doesn’t have liability coverage. It also covers hit-and-run crashes. You should file your claim as soon as possible and submit relevant evidence to show the insurer you deserve compensation.
• Medical payments (MedPay) – MedPay covers the cost of medical treatment after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. It is available in Virginia.
• Personal injury protection (PIP) – In Maryland and Washington D.C., this type of coverage is available. It is coverage from your own policy.
• Collision – Collision coverage pays to repair or replace a vehicle damaged in a crash with another vehicle.

How to Hold the Other Driver Liable

You might luck out and discover law enforcement was able to track down the at-fault motorist. If that happens, you can file a claim with their insurance carrier if they have liability coverage. You might also have the option of filing a lawsuit against them.

Either way, the compensation you seek might cover your:

• Emotional distress
• Prescriptions, emergency room visits, rehab, and other medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage

Get the Legal Help You Deserve

Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime. You might be unable to find the at-fault driver so they can face the consequences of their actions. However, you can file a claim to recover the compensation you need to afford your medical bills and other expenses.

Call CHASENBOSCOLO at (301) 220-0050 for a free consultation if you sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident someone else caused. We have the resources to prove the value of a case and fight to hold negligent parties liable for their actions.

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