A hit-and-run accident can be a terrifying ordeal, and many drivers don’t know how to handle these situations. Some victims wonder where they are going to get money to pay for repairs or who is going to cover their medical bills. These few tips and tactics will help you bring the other driver to justice so that you can move on with your life.
Don’t Leave Anything to Memory
Even if you have a great memory, it will be tough to retain all of the facts once your adrenaline wears off. You should repeat the license plate number to yourself multiple times and then write it down as quickly as possible. If you have more than a few moments, then you might want to grab your phone and take some pictures of the other vehicle. It is important to remember that you should never run out into traffic or put yourself in danger to get a better look at the other driver.
Stay at the Scene
Just because you weren’t responsible for the accident or the other driver already left doesn’t mean that you can leave the scene. As soon as you leave the scene, you could be charged with a hit-and-run felony. Once you have written down as much information as you can remember, you must then call 9-1-1 and explain what happened. The dispatcher will most likely send a law enforcement officer out to collect information and write a report.
Seek Out Medical Assistance
All injured parties should seek out medical assistance as soon as they are able to do so. If anyone is seriously injured, you must call 9-1-1 and request an ambulance. You also need to keep a record of all diagnosis, treatments, and surgeries. That information will be used to determine how much compensation you receive if the other driver is caught.
Contact an Attorney
Working with a firm like the Accident Law Center will make this process much less stressful. They might even be able to assist the police in finding the other driver. They can also negotiate compensation with your insurance provider if the other driver isn’t caught. These situations are incredibly complex, and drivers shouldn’t attempt to tackle the legal system or negotiate with any claims adjusters on their own.
The steps that you take immediately following a hit-and-run accident could impact your life for many years to come. If you want to protect your future, then you must think clearly and remain as calm as possible.
This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, and family issues. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find Dixie on Facebook.
