What if Somebody Hits Me and Leaves the Scene (Hit and Run)?

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a distressing experience. If someone hits you and leaves the scene, it can leave you feeling unsure of what steps to take next. Questions start to immediately circle your brain: who is responsible for my injuries? Who is going to fix my car? It is crucial to stay calm, gather as much information as possible, and take appropriate actions to protect yourself and your rights. Understanding how to collect and preserve evidence, such as witness statements, photos, and surveillance footage, can be vital in identifying the responsible party and ensuring that justice is served.

The likelihood of officers finding the at-fault party is low without vehicle details. Investigations depend on specific vehicle information like year, make, model, and license plate. Without these important details, officers face challenges on locating the at fault party. So what can you do?

ONE IMPORTANT TOOL YOU CAN IMMEDIATELY INSTALL TO HELP AVOID THESE SITUATIONS IS TO INSTALL A DASH CAM. IF THE AT FAULT PARTY HIT YOU IN A WAY FOR THE DASH CAM TO PICK UP THE AT FAULT PARTY’S LICENSE PLATE, OR MAKE OR MODEL OF VEHICLE, YOU WILL BE ONE STEP CLOSER TO IDENTIFYING THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY.

Call the Police

After ensuring your safety, you should call the police to report the accident. At the scene, the police officer can take statements from you and any witnesses who saw the collision. Filing a police report is critical for hit and run accidents. If you do not make an accident report with the officer at the scene or as soon thereafter (usually within 24 hours), you may face challenges with your own insurance company.

Collect Evidence

Gathering evidence is crucial in a hit-and-run. Write down details like make, model, color, and license plate of the fleeing vehicle. Document the scene: take photos of the fleeing vehicle, take photos of the damage to your vehicle, take photos of the area of accident and road conditions. Collect witness statements and contact information. Look for surveillance cameras and request footage from local businesses or homes with ring cameras or the like that captured the accident. This evidence helps law enforcement identify the at-fault party.

Dash Cam

DASH CAM FOOTAGE TO THE RESCUE!

Immediately download and save your dash cam footage. A dash cam can capture vital details like the at fault party’s license plate, and the at fault party’s vehicle’s make and model. This footage helps law enforcement track down the at-fault party. Additionally, clear, indisputable evidence from a dash cam enhances your ability to seek justice and secure compensation.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, see a medical professional immediately. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms right away. Delayed symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, pain, or discomfort that might appear hours or even days later.

A thorough medical evaluation can identify any hidden injuries and provide documentation for your insurance claim or any potential legal action. Seeking prompt medical attention safeguards your health and helps establish a clear record of your condition following the accident.

We can’t stress this enough: don’t downplay your own pain and injuries. Although toughing it out can be a core value for some of us, when it comes to our health, we should always take the brave approach of looking honestly and vulnerably at our condition. You can’t get help to heal if you’re “fine”.

Consult an Experienced Attorney

Consulting an experienced attorney after a hit-and-run accident is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. An attorney specializing in personal injury and hit-and-run cases can guide you through the complex legal process, helping you locate the at fault party, or helping you understand what your options are if you do not locate the at fault party. You may still be able to be compensated for your injuries and vehicle damage even if you do not locate the at fault party.

Seeking legal advice promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your hit and run case, providing you with the support and knowledge needed to achieve justice.

Have you been injured in a hit-and-run accident?