What Steps Must You Take Following a Hit-and-Run?
No one wants to be in a hit-and-run accident.
That said they happen with more frequency than you realize. As a result, being prepared for the aftermath is important.
From your well-being to holding those accountable for negligence, do not back down.
So, what steps will you need to follow through on when you have been in a hit-and-run accident?
Don’t Let Someone Drive Off without Repercussions
You never want to take a hit-and-run and turn it into a confrontation with the other driver. Keep in mind though there need to be repercussions for their actions.
That said you have some possibilities in play.
Among them:
1. Doing a follow-up on the vehicle and driver – Hit-and-run accidents occur fast. As a result, there can be confusion immediately afterwards. Even when that is the situation, you may be able to find out who hit you. Did you get their license plate info or a description of the vehicle? If so, you are a step closer to tracking them down. If you got the license plate, go online at your first opportunity and do a license plate lookup. Doing so can lead you to find out info about the vehicle that struck you and its driver. Be sure to share such information with authorities so they can pursue the case.
2. Do you have any witnesses? – If you are lucky, you have witnesses to the hit-and-run? That said you want to try and get statements from them to share with law enforcement. If things fall the right way, any witnesses will stop and provide you or law enforcement at the scene with info. Be sure to thank them for doing so as it is not required of them.
3. Is there video evidence of the accident? – It is also wise to look into seeing if there is any video evidence of the accident. Someone may have captured it on their cell phone. There might also be video evidence from nearby cameras on buildings, street corners. Do your research to see if such video evidence exists. It can prove important should you end up taking one to court for injuries and compensation.
4. Your vehicle before and after – Document your auto and its condition. That is before the accident and after. Was your vehicle in fine working shape before the incident happened? What are the damages to it now? You do not want someone to claim your vehicle was not in proper working condition and thus led to the accident.
5. History of the hit-and-run driver – Last; see if you or authorities can find out the other driver’s history. As an example, have they ever been charged with a DUI? Do they have any history of auto insurance scams? This is getting into accidents on purpose to collect money for injuries and damage to their auto. By knowing their history, you have a better idea of what you are up against.
When you are unfortunately in a hit-and-run accident, do all you can to right a wrong.