Finding yourself hit by another driver on the road, only for them to speed off before you can take the appropriate actions, can be quite the shock. Even when you do everything in your power to drive safely, other drivers can still be a real risk. You might not know what to do immediately, so here, we’re going to take a look at some of your options.
Take Care Of Your Health First
Safety is your first priority. If your car is blocking traffic and can be moved, pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and make sure that everyone is ok. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt, and do not consider pursuing the fleeing driver, as it can put you at further risk and even complicate your insurance claim down the line. Make sure that you see a doctor, even if no injuries are immediately visible, as some symptoms, like dizziness or neck pain, might not appear immediately.
Call The Police
When everyone’s immediate safety is confirmed, call 911 or the local police. Give the dispatcher your location, vehicle description, direction the other driver traveled, and any details you remember, such as license plate numbers, color, make, model, damage, stickers, or the driver’s appearance. The more you’re able to provide, the better the chance that the perpetrator will be caught, and make sure that you get a copy of the accident report for your insurance company.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Consider how you’re going to cover the costs of any medical treatment or necessary repairs. Does insurance cover hit and run? In the vast majority of cases, yes, they do, but you should still be careful when reporting to your insurance company. Avoid admitting any fault or minimizing injuries before you’ve had the chance to see the doctor, and keep copies of all emails, claim numbers, and estimates.
Gather Evidence At The Scene
If it’s safe, take the time to collect what evidence you can before leaving the scene. This can include photos of the accident scene, the surrounding road, and your vehicle, documenting damage, skid marks, debris, road signs, and any visible injuries. Check for nearby cameras on homes, businesses, or dashcams that you could potentially use for a claim later, and ask witnesses for their names or contact information. Do not get into any arguments or pressure them if they don’t want to cooperate, however.
Should You Call A Lawyer?
It may be tricky to decide whether or not to get a lawyer involved, especially if there’s no other driver to press a claim on. However, they can help you if your insurance company disputes coverage or to determine if any other parties were responsible. For example, there may be claims involving defective road design, negligent security, or commercial vehicles that can be tracked.
A hit and run can leave you feeling confused, panicked, and deeply upset. Hopefully, the tips above help you find the next step to take, even while you’re dealing with the emotional fallout, to increase your chances of seeing justice and to take care of yourself.
