Help! I’m The Victim of a Hit-and-Run!
There is nothing worse than being involved in an auto accident. You hear the scraping of metal, the crunch of glass, and even though it seems to happen in slow motion there’s usually not much you can do about it. There is nothing worse, except, when the other party decides to flee the scene. That’s right, auto accidents are messy but a hit-and-run is even messier. If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, you want to make sure you know beforehand how to properly handle the situation, because you may not be thinking clearly in the moment. Here’s a step-by-step process to keep you protected as the victim of a hit-and-run auto accident.
- Call and Stay Safe
If you are in an accident and realize the other driver has fled the scene, you need to call the police immediately. If you were hit in an area with traffic, make sure you are able to get to a safe place.
- Take Note
This actually applies no matter what type of accident you are involved in, but it is especially important if you’ve been in a hit-and-run. Make sure you are taking note and observing as many details as possible. If the other driver has already gone, try to recall the color of the vehicle, the make, model as well as the year. Were you able to catch the license place? Write it down! You should also take photos of the scene, your car, and a picture of the other driver/vehicle if at all possible. If there were witnesses, ask them to stay and talk to police and get their account. Note the time and location of the accident as well.
To help you take good notes, make sure you keep a cell phone handy where you can record information, or a little notebook in your glove box.
- Work with Police
If you haven’t already (or were unable to) the police will help you move to a safe place. When the police arrive, they’ll also want to know as many details as possible, so making sure you thoroughly complete step two will be helpful.
- Contact Your Insurance Company
When you contact your insurance agent, they’ll help you get started filing a claim. They may be very helpful in getting you and your car back on the road, but sometimes working with insurance can get tricky. Here’s where step 5 comes in handy…
- Hire an Accident Attorney
Hit-and-run accidents are different than regular auto accidents, which means the entire process it a little bit messier to resolve. There’s no better time to hire an accident than when you’ve been in a hit-and-run. An accident attorney like those at Cockayne Law will have your best interest in mind, take care of the extra paperwork, and work to make sure everything resolves in your best interest.
If you’ve been in a hit-and-run, but sure to contact Cockayne Law as soon as you can after the accident!