What to Do When Involved in a Hit and Run Accident

Being involved in a hit and run accident can be a traumatic experience. The other driver leaving the scene not only endangers your safety but also complicates the situation with legal and insurance implications. Here's what you need to do to protect yourself and ensure your safety and rights are upheld.

Important Steps to Take After a Hit and Run

Before you take any action, it is important to understand the severity of a hit and run accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is considered a serious offense, potentially leading up to felony charges, prison time, and lawsuits. Such incidents also have a significant impact on your driving and insurance records, affecting you for many years.

The first and foremost step is to call 911 and report the accident. Ensure to give the police all the necessary information including the license plate number, the make, model, and color of the car, and the extent of the damage (if any).

After the call, take immediate steps to gather evidence:

Take photos of the license plate number, the area of contact on your vehicle, and the damage, if possible. Write down the license plate number and any information about the vehicle and the driver. Even a brief description can be helpful. Stay at the scene until the police arrive, providing them with a detailed account of the incident and anything you can observe about the fleeing vehicle and driver.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you through the claims process.

Legal Consequences and Insurance Implications

Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. The fleeing driver is an 'instant fugitive'. The legal consequences of a hit and run can be severe:

Financial penalties, potentially fines and restitution. Potential imprisonment, depending on the severity and whether the fleeing driver was unlicensed/uninsured. Insurance penalties, with the risk of having insurance canceled or non-renewed. Potential legal action from you to recover damages.

It is crucial to document everything and report the incident to the police. Even if witnesses are not available, the police report will serve as critical evidence for your insurance claim and potential legal proceedings.

Personal Experience with a Hit and Run

One individual shared their experience of being hit by a truck and losing their car on a road. Despite helping the driver escape the scene, no other witnesses could confirm the incident. The insurance company eventually covered their car and medical expenses, but the driver dealing with a totaled car was wrangled with his insurance company regarding the value of his vehicle.

The story highlights the importance of maintaining your insurance and cooperating with the authorities. Sometimes, even if you lose your insurance coverage, the road damage might be minimal, depending on the condition of your car and the specific circumstances of the accident.

While hit and run incidents are distressing, knowing what to do and how to protect your rights can help you navigate through the aftermath. Always prioritize your safety, gather evidence, and act quickly by reporting the incident to the police and your insurance company.