Steps to take after a hit and run

Hit and run accidents are serious crimes. A report from USA Today indicated that the number of fatal hit and runs steadily grew between 2011 and 2013. Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of such collisions.

Many people end up getting involved with hit-and-run crashes. Medical treatment needs to be sought first and foremost. However, if a victim of a hit and run does not sustain any injuries, then the person still needs to take the proper steps to try to get some form of compensation.

Pull off to side of the road

Some drivers feel compelled to chase after the assailant. Most of the time, this is a fruitless endeavor and can actually be detrimental. People need to consider their own safety first, so it is best to pull to the side of the road and call the police.

Contact the police

Filing an insurance report is much simpler with a police report. Hopefully, drivers are able to get some details about the car that hit them, such as a license plate. Ultimately, even remembering the make, model or color of the car is helpful.

Talk to witnesses

The driver may not have seen any details, but there could be other people in the area. It is good to speak with eyewitnesses. Approach them carefully, and ask if they saw anything. It is also a good idea to ask witnesses for contact information and if they would be willing to appear in court.

Call an insurance agency

Finally, hit and run victims need to contact their insurance provider. It is better for the insurance company to hear about the incident from a client than the police. The process is a lot simpler if the driver has collision or uninsured motorist property damage coverage. While there are no guarantees, there is a greater likelihood of a favorable outcome if all the right steps are followed.

Category:

• Car Accidents