What To Do After A Hit And Run Car Accident

The Immediate Aftermath: Prioritizing Safety and Assessment

The moments immediately following a hit and run are critical. Your priority must be your safety and the safety of anyone else involved. Panic is a natural reaction, but a clear head, even for a few seconds, can set a positive course for everything that follows. Understanding what to do after a hit and run car accident begins right at the scene.

Ensure Your Safety and Others’

Your personal safety is paramount. Do not chase the fleeing driver; this can put you in further danger and complicate your case.

• Move to a Safe Location: If your vehicle is still operable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot, away from active traffic. If your car is too damaged to move or you suspect injuries, remain inside with your seatbelt on, if safe, or exit and move to a sidewalk or shoulder.
• Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Adrenaline can mask pain, so even a slight ache should be noted. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
• Turn on Hazard Lights: Activating your hazard lights warns other drivers of your presence and helps prevent further accidents, especially if your vehicle is partially obstructing traffic.

Gather Initial Information, Even Without the Other Driver

Even without the other driver present, crucial information about their vehicle and actions can still be collected. This data is invaluable for law enforcement and your insurance company.

• Vehicle Description: Try to recall as many details as possible about the hit-and-run vehicle. What was its make, model, and color? Did it have any distinguishing features like bumper stickers, tinted windows, or damage from the impact?
• License Plate Information: This is often the most challenging but most crucial piece of information. Even a partial license plate number can be incredibly helpful to investigators.
• Driver Description: Did you get a glimpse of the driver? Note their gender, approximate age, hair color, and any unique characteristics.
• Direction of Travel: Which way did the vehicle flee? Knowing the direction can aid police in their search.
• Time and Location: Precisely note the time and exact location of the accident, including street names, intersections, and mile markers.

Documenting the Scene: Your Evidence is Key

In a hit and run, you are often your own best advocate. Comprehensive documentation of the scene and your damages provides objective evidence, which is essential for your insurance claim and any potential legal action. This proactive approach is a cornerstone of what to do after a hit and run car accident.

Photograph Everything You Can

Your smartphone is a powerful tool for collecting evidence. Take numerous photos and videos from various angles.

• Vehicle Damage: Capture all damage to your vehicle, zooming in on specific areas of impact. Take photos from wide angles to show the entire car and close-ups of every scrape, dent, or crack.
• Scene Details: Photograph the overall accident scene, including road conditions, debris from the collision (such as broken glass or plastic pieces), skid marks, and the position of your vehicle. Include surrounding landmarks, street signs, and traffic signals.
• Injuries: If you or your passengers sustained visible injuries, photograph them immediately. Consistent photo documentation of healing progress can also be beneficial later.
• Weather and Lighting: Document the weather conditions, time of day, and lighting at the scene. These factors can play a role in accident reconstruction.

Look for Witnesses

Witnesses can provide independent accounts of the incident, which are incredibly valuable, especially when the other party is absent. Their testimony can corroborate your story and provide details you might have missed.

• Approach Clearly and Calmly: Ask anyone who may have seen the accident if they are willing to provide a statement. Look for pedestrians, occupants of other vehicles, or nearby business employees.
• Gather Contact Information: If someone agrees to be a witness, collect their full name, phone number, and email address. Ask them what they saw and if they are willing to speak with the police or your insurance company.
• Note Their Observations: Jot down immediate notes about what they observed. These initial recollections are often the most accurate.

Note Down Specific Details

Every detail, no matter how small it seems, can contribute to building a complete picture of the incident. Trust your memory and write things down.

• Weather Conditions: Was it sunny, rainy, foggy? Was the road wet or dry?
• Visibility: How clear was your view? Were there any obstructions?
• Traffic Conditions: Was traffic heavy or light? What were the speed limits?
• Unusual Circumstances: Were there any road hazards, construction, or other factors that might have contributed to the situation?
• Your Account: Write down your personal recollection of the event as soon as possible, detailing everything leading up to, during, and after the impact. This helps solidify your memory before it fades.

Reporting the Incident: Crucial Steps for Justice and Claims

Once you have secured your safety and gathered preliminary evidence, the next phase involves official reporting. This is not just a formality; it is an absolute necessity for pursuing justice and initiating insurance claims. Proactively reporting is a non-negotiable step in what to do after a hit and run car accident.

Contact Law Enforcement Immediately

Filing an official police report is the most critical immediate step. It creates an official record of the incident and initiates an investigation.

• Call 911 (for emergencies/injuries) or Your Local Non-Emergency Number: Even if no one is seriously injured, a hit and run is a crime. Contact the police as soon as you’re safe and have gathered initial details.
• File an Official Police Report: When officers arrive, provide them with all the information you’ve collected – vehicle description, driver details, direction of travel, witness information, and your photos. Be thorough and honest.
• Obtain a Report Number: Always ask for the incident or report number. This number is vital for your insurance claim and any follow-up with the police. The police report serves as an independent record of the facts surrounding the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Delaying notification to your insurance company can jeopardize your claim. Act quickly to inform them of the hit and run.

• Explain the Situation Clearly: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of what to do after a hit and run car accident from your perspective, including the police report number and all evidence you’ve gathered.
• Understand Your Policy Coverage: Review your insurance policy, specifically focusing on Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, as well as collision coverage. These are your primary avenues for compensation in a hit and run.
• Provide All Collected Evidence: Share your photos, witness statements, and the police report number with your insurance adjuster. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is explicitly designed for situations like hit and runs.

• Protection for You: This coverage steps in when the at-fault driver is unknown (as in a hit and run) or does not have insurance. It can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that would normally be paid by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
• Review Your Policy: It’s imperative to understand the limits and specifics of your UM/UIM policy, as this coverage is often your best bet for financial recovery after a hit and run.

The Importance of a Police Report for Insurance Claims

Most insurance companies will require an official police report to process a hit and run claim.

• Credibility: The police report lends credibility to your claim, verifying that a legitimate accident occurred involving another vehicle that fled.
• Verification of Facts: It provides an objective, third-party account of the incident, including details like potential vehicle damage, road conditions, and any witness statements recorded by law enforcement. Without this, your insurance company might struggle to pursue the claim effectively, potentially leading to delays or even denial.

Seeking Professional Guidance: Protecting Your Rights and Recovery

Navigating the aftermath of a hit and run involves more than just dealing with police and insurance. For comprehensive recovery and protection of your rights, professional guidance is often indispensable. Understanding the full scope of what to do after a hit and run car accident includes recognizing when to seek expert help.

Consult with a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney

A hit and run accident, by its very nature, adds layers of complexity that a standard car accident does not have. An experienced personal injury attorney can be your most valuable ally.

• Why Legal Counsel is Vital: An attorney can investigate the incident, potentially uncover details missed by the police, and help identify any alternative sources of recovery, such as surveillance footage or other responsible parties (e.g., if the hit and run occurred on commercial property with inadequate safety).
• Navigating Complex Claims: They understand the nuances of insurance policies, especially UM/UIM claims, and can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement. This includes dealing with adjusters who may try to minimize your compensation.
• Protecting Your Rights: A lawyer will ensure all legal deadlines are met and that your rights are fully protected throughout the investigation and claims process. They will also advise you on the long-term implications of any settlement offers.
• Understanding Legal Options: Even without the at-fault driver, there might be legal avenues available to you, especially if the driver is eventually identified. An attorney can explain these options and pursue them aggressively on your behalf.

Seek Medical Attention Without Delay

Your health should always be paramount. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation after a car accident.

• Even If Injuries Seem Minor: Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest for hours or even days after the accident. A medical professional can diagnose injuries you might not even realize you have.
• Documentation of Injuries is Critical: Medical records serve as crucial evidence of your injuries directly resulting from the accident. This documentation is essential for any insurance claim or legal action you may pursue. Without prompt medical attention, linking your injuries directly to the hit and run can become challenging.
• Long-Term Health Considerations: Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent minor injuries from developing into chronic conditions. Prioritizing your health now can save you from significant pain and expense in the future.

Beyond the Immediate: Long-Term Recovery and Awareness

Dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run is an ongoing process. Once the immediate steps are taken, focusing on your recovery and preparing for potential future occurrences becomes important. A complete understanding of what to do after a hit and run car accident extends to protecting your future self.

Follow Up and Stay Organized

Maintain meticulous records and actively follow up on your case.

• Keep a Detailed Folder: Store all documents, including police reports, medical records, insurance communications, witness statements, and any expenses related to the accident, in one organized location.
• Stay in Communication: Regularly follow up with the police department regarding their investigation and with your insurance adjuster about the status of your claim. If you have an attorney, they will handle most of this, but it’s good to be informed.
• Document All Conversations: Note down the date, time, and content of every phone call and meeting, along with the name of the person you spoke to.

Consider Dash Cam Installation for Future Protection

In tragic events like a hit and run, a dash cam can be invaluable.

• Irrefutable Evidence: A dash cam can record crucial video evidence of an accident, including the fleeing vehicle’s license plate, make, model, and the driver’s actions. This can be the single most important piece of evidence in identifying a hit-and-run driver.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a silent witness can provide a sense of security while driving.
• Types of Cameras: Research different types of dash cams, including those with front and rear recording capabilities, G-sensors that activate recording upon impact, and parking surveillance features.

Conclusion

Experiencing a hit and run car accident is a deeply unsettling event, leaving victims feeling vulnerable and uncertain. However, by knowing what to do after a hit and run car accident and acting swiftly and decisively, you can transform a chaotic situation into a manageable process. From prioritizing immediate safety and meticulous documentation at the scene to promptly reporting the incident to law enforcement and your insurance company, every step is a brick in the foundation of your recovery.

Furthermore, leveraging the expertise of medical professionals and a skilled personal injury attorney can prove invaluable. They provide not just guidance but also a robust defense of your rights, ensuring you receive the compensation and care you need to heal and move forward. Remember, a hit and run might be a senseless act, but your response doesn’t have to be. Empower yourself with knowledge, take action, and reclaim control of your journey to recovery.