What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

You’ve been in an accident. To make matters worse, you just watched the other driver speed away into the distance, leaving you alone with a damaged car, possible injuries and your righteous fury.

What do you do now?

Step One – Control the Situation

Your safety comes first. Do not follow the other driver or leave the scene of the accident. Instead, remain right where you are, and check yourself and your passengers for injuries.

Look around to make sure you are not in any other danger. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and make room for other travelers to safely pass.

Step Two – Call the Authorities

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Report this crime to the police, even if the damage is minor and there are no injuries. If you delay, or fail to report the accident entirely, your insurance company may not honor your claim.

Step Three – Gather Your Facts

While you wait for the authorities to arrive, collect all the available information you can find. Be ready to describe the car that hit you

If you have a camera, take pictures of your vehicle’s damage. Ask any witnesses who saw the accident to provide statements to the police.  

When you file your report, make sure you give only the actual events as they happened. Never admit fault. Allow investigators to come to their conclusions and obtain the incident report number from officers for your records before you leave the scene.

Step Four – Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company within 24 hours. Describe what happened and provide as much information as you can remember. Provide the police report number to the agent and be ready to answer questions.

Sometimes law enforcement and insurance providers come to two different conclusions. If that happens, you need a skilled hit and run attorney to help you sort out your expenses. Accident attorneys negotiate to ensure your repair and medical costs are covered, even when conflicts arise.