A hit and run car accident is where a person fails to stop after an accident has occurred between him/her and another person or persons. This violates the law because the person who commits the accident is required by law to stop and exchange his/her information with the other parties involved in the accident. Even if there are no witnesses to the accident, the person is required to leave a note with all relevant information.
Involve the Police Immediately
Immediately after the accident takes place, you need to evaluate any physical injury that occurred as a result of the accident. You also need to call the police immediately. It is important to provide as much information about the hit and run car accident perpetrator to the police so that it can be included in the official police report. Any witnesses to the accident should be identified and talked to so that they can provide any helpful information they have about the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
It is very important to call your car insurance provider as soon as possible to report any physical and/or property damage you may have suffered. Depending upon your insurance company and the policy you have, physical and/or property damage caused by hit and run accidents may or may not be covered. Having uninsured motorist coverage can protect you in the event that the hit and run car accident perpetrator can’t or won’t pay for bodily injury and/or damage to your car.
The longer you wait to call your insurance company, the more skeptical they will be about your claim. The more forthright and upfront you are with them, the greater the chance they’ll believe your claim and act quickly to resolve it.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Before the police arrive, take pictures of the damage sustained to your car and of the area where the accident occurred. This can be done with a cellular phone that has a built-in camera or with a digital camera. Taking pictures can also speed up the claims process with your insurance company as well.
Obtaining Legal Help
Knowing exactly what to do to maximize your legal rights and interests when involved in a hit and run car accident is critical to successfully receiving compensation for your physical and/or property damage. Hiring a qualified and experienced attorney can aid you in making sure that you do everything possible and in the proper sequence to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
