What to Do If You Are A Victim of a Hit and Run?

October 25, 2024

Essential Steps to Take After an Unexpected Accident

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Experiencing a hit and run can be a disorienting and stressful situation. Whether you're a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, being involved in an accident where the other party flees the scene can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about what steps to take next. This blog will guide you through the essential actions to take if you find yourself a victim of a hit and run, ensuring you know your rights and how to seek help.


Why Knowing What to Do Matters: According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run accidents are on the rise, making it crucial for everyone to understand their rights and responsibilities. Knowing how to respond can significantly impact your ability to recover damages and ensure your safety moving forward. 

1. Ensure Your Safety First 


Assess the Situation: Your immediate priority should be your safety. After a hit-and-run: 


  • Move to a Safe Location: If possible, get out of the road to avoid further accidents. 
  • Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. 

1. Ensure Your Safety First 


Assess the Situation: Your immediate priority should be your safety. After a hit-and-run: 


  • Move to a Safe Location: If possible, get out of the road to avoid further accidents. 
  • Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. 

2. Call the Authorities 


Report the Accident: Contact the police as soon as possible to report the hit and run. Here’s what you should do: 


  • Provide Details: Inform the dispatcher about the location of the accident, any injuries, and a description of the fleeing vehicle. 
  • File a Police Report: A police report is essential for documentation and can support your insurance claim later. 

3. Gather Evidence 


Collect Information: While waiting for the authorities, gather as much information as possible: 


  • Take Photos: Document the accident scene, any visible damages to your vehicle or property, and surrounding road conditions. 
  • Write Down Details: Note the time, location, and circumstances of the accident, including any details about the other vehicle (color, make, model, license plate number). 
  • Seek Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and accounts of what they saw. 

3. Gather Evidence 


Collect Information: While waiting for the authorities, gather as much information as possible: 


  • Take Photos: Document the accident scene, any visible damages to your vehicle or property, and surrounding road conditions. 
  • Write Down Details: Note the time, location, and circumstances of the accident, including any details about the other vehicle (color, make, model, license plate number). 
  • Seek Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and accounts of what they saw. 

4. Seek Medical Attention 


Get Checked Out: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to see a doctor after a hit-and-run. Injuries may not be immediately apparent, and having a medical evaluation can: 


  • Document Your Injuries: Medical records can be crucial if you pursue a claim later. 
  • Ensure Your Health: Prompt treatment can help prevent complications from any injuries sustained during the accident. 

5. Notify Your Insurance Company 


Report the Incident: Contact your insurance provider to report the hit-and-run accident. Here’s what to do: 


  • Provide Information: Share the police report, photos, and any evidence you've gathered. 
  • Discuss Coverage Options: Understand how your insurance policy covers hit-and-run accidents. Many policies include uninsured motorist coverage that can help with damages. 

5. Notify Your Insurance Company 


Report the Incident: Contact your insurance provider to report the hit-and-run accident. Here’s what to do: 


  • Provide Information: Share the police report, photos, and any evidence you've gathered. 
  • Discuss Coverage Options: Understand how your insurance policy covers hit-and-run accidents. Many policies include uninsured motorist coverage that can help with damages. 

6. Consult an Attorney 


Consider Legal Advice: If you’ve sustained significant injuries or damages, consulting with a personal injury attorney can be beneficial. An attorney can: 


  • Help You Understand Your Rights: They can guide you through the legal process and protect your interests. 
  • Assist with Claims: If the hit-and-run driver is identified, your attorney can help you pursue a claim for damages. 

7. Follow Up on Your Claim 


Stay Organized: Keep track of all documentation related to the accident, including: 


  • Medical Records: Document all treatments and expenses related to your injuries. 
  • Insurance Correspondence: Maintain records of all communications with your insurance provider. 

7. Follow Up on Your Claim 


Stay Organized: Keep track of all documentation related to the accident, including: 


  • Medical Records: Document all treatments and expenses related to your injuries. 
  • Insurance Correspondence: Maintain records of all communications with your insurance provider. 

Being a victim of a hit-and-run can be a traumatic experience, but knowing the steps to take can help you regain control and seek the compensation you deserve. By ensuring your safety, reporting the accident, gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, notifying your insurance company, consulting an attorney, and staying organized, you can navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run more effectively. 


If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run and need assistance with your case, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.


Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options.

Stay safe and informed on the road! 

Being a victim of a hit-and-run can be a traumatic experience, but knowing the steps to take can help you regain control and seek the compensation you deserve. By ensuring your safety, reporting the accident, gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, notifying your insurance company, consulting an attorney, and staying organized, you can navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run more effectively. 


If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run and need assistance with your case,

don’t hesitate to reach out for help.


Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options.

Stay safe and informed on the road! 

Share this valuable information with friends and family to help them stay informed and prepared for the unexpected. Let’s raise awareness about hit and run incidents and empower others to know their rights!