The legal experts at HHJ Trial Attorneys have decades of combined experience dealing with hit-and-run car accidents. We have helped countless clients find justice and recover their damages through exhaustive investigations, negotiations, and tireless efforts to achieve the best possible outcome. If you are in this situation, this blog covers the basics, so you know what to do next.
What Qualifies as a Hit and Run Accident?
An accident is typically qualified as a hit-and-run if the at-fault party flees the scene to avoid being held responsible for the accident. After any collision, everyone involved is legally required to remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. The only exceptions are if you need to find an area with cell service or if you are taken to hospital.
If a driver hits another car, a pedestrian, or public property, like traffic lights and does not stop immediately to alert police, they may incur significant penalties. Depending on the severity of the damage they caused, they may face hefty fines, compensation payouts, and even time in jail.
What To Do at the Scene
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, there are several crucial steps you should take immediately. By following these steps, you ensure that you have gathered your own evidence and acted in accordance with the law.
Check for Injuries
Your well-being and the well-being of your passengers must be your top priority. Once you have pulled over, put on your hazard lights, and if you can do so safely, get out of the car and move away from the road. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately and ask for an ambulance and police.
If you need to leave to receive medical attention, ask someone to stay at the scene for you. Your chosen representative can be an uninjured passenger, a friend, or a family member who will communicate with police, gather your personal property, and collect evidence.
Contact Law Enforcement
You must report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. It’s crucial to alert the police because it creates an official record of the incident that can be relevant for legal proceedings. The police will also compile an official report that is typically required by insurance providers when you file a claim.
The police report is a vital document often used to establish critical details in car accident cases. You should also request a copy to keep for your records.
Document Everything
When the police arrive, things will move very quickly, so while you have some time, it’s essential to write down or record everything you remember. Stress and adrenaline can affect your memory, so it’s vital to document:
- The make, model, and color of the vehicle that hit you
- The direction the car fled in
- Any partial or complete license plate numbers
- Distinctive features like dents, stickers, tinted windows, and modifications
- Any details you can remember about the driver, such as hair color, ethnicity, clothing, etc.
- The time and location of the accident
- The sequence of events leading to the accident from your perspective
In addition to these details, you should also take numerous photos of anything that may offer valuable information. Your pictures from the accident scene should include:
- Photos of the damage done to your car from multiple angles and detailed images of your injuries
- Photographs of the scene, skid marks, and any debris from the accident
- Pictures that show the weather and road conditions
Find Witnesses
Ask people who saw what happened to wait with you until the police arrive so they can give statements about the accident. You should also get their contact information so your personal injury attorney can find them again later if your case would benefit from eyewitnesses.
If there are businesses or homes nearby, find out if they have security cameras that may have captured the accident. Get their details and ask them to preserve the footage from the day of your accident. Your attorney will be able to follow up and subpoena the recordings if necessary.
What To Do After Leaving the Scene
Once you have been cleared to leave by the police, it’s vital to seek medical attention even if your injuries don’t seem serious. Many internal injuries only present later, and adrenaline can significantly affect how much pain you feel. Ask for a complete examination to ensure there are no underlying injuries. The examination report will also be used for your case and insurance.
Next, you need to contact your insurance provider and report the accident so they can start the claims process. Then, you can contact a car accident attorney with experience in hit-and-run cases. They will advise you and guide you through the process, from working with police to locate the driver to negotiating with insurers and opposing counsel. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will also represent you in court.
Moving Forward
While hit-and-run accidents can be particularly frustrating, taking the proper steps will protect your interests and increase the chance of a positive outcome. With HHJ Trial Attorneys, you do not have to face this process alone. Contact us to schedule your free consultation so we can start pursuing the resolution you deserve.
