Hit-and-run accidents can be very difficult to navigate, especially if you or a passenger were injured in the collision. But thankfully, most U.S. states have created laws designed to help the innocent party get the compensation they deserve, even when the other party refuses to cooperate. If you were recently involved in a hit-and-run car accident, here are some steps you can take to make sure you’re still able to recover the compensation you deserve.
What to do immediately after the accident
Call 911 and obtain a police report.
Leaving the scene after a hit-and-run accident is never a good idea, so do not follow after the driver who hit you. Instead, the very first thing you should do is call 911 and seek medical attention, especially if someone in your car was injured. This is actually required by law in all 50 states, and failing to report an accident if an injury was involved can be punishable up to jail time.
If there was NOT an injury at the scene, you will likely still need to obtain a police report by calling 911. In all states other than Maryland and Virginia, you’re required to report an accident if the total value of property damage is higher than a certain amount—this value can be as low as $50 in some states, and as high as $3,000 in others. But even if you live in Maryland or Virginia, it’s still a good idea to work with law enforcement whenever criminal action is involved, such as a hit-and-run case.
Document everything you can about the accident or the other driver.
It may also help if you’re able to write down any specific events that occurred during the accident. Did the other driver take an unexpected turn? Was there any sort of road hazard involved, like an object in the road? Questions like these could help the police identify the other driver and determine if they may have been at-fault for the accident.
Above all else, your biggest priority after an accident is getting you and everyone in your car to safety. But, if you’re able, a good way to protect yourself in a hit-and-run scenario is by collecting information about the other driver as soon as possible. Do you remember anything about their license plate? The vehicle model or color? Any details you can recall may be useful to help law enforcement identify the other driver. Be sure to take photos of any skid marks, damage, and other visible evidence you find.
Talk to nearby witnesses for additional information.
If everyone in your vehicle is safe and no one has any severe injuries, it may be a good idea to exchange contact information with anyone who witnessed the accident while you’re still on the scene. They may be able to provide you or the police with a statement if they saw something occur, which could be highly valuable if it ends up helping law enforcement catch the missing driver.
Steps to take after leaving the scene
Get legal support.
Before filing an insurance claim, it’s important to talk with a lawyer to help make sure your provider doesn’t take advantage of you with a low settlement offer. And, in a hit-and-run scenario, the other driver fleeing the scene results in your case being far more complex to navigate, making it even more important to work with an attorney for the compensation you deserve.
Before filing an insurance claim, it’s important to talk with a lawyer to help make sure your provider doesn’t take advantage of you with a low settlement offer. And, in a hit-and-run scenario, the other driver fleeing the scene results in your case being far more complex to navigate, making it even more important to work with an attorney for the compensation you deserve.
Report the accident to your insurance provider.
In a hit-and-run scenario, you unfortunately have no other choice but to file an accident claim with your own insurance company. However, depending on your state and auto insurance provider, there are certain coverages available that can still help you recover damages:
- Collision coverage helps pay for any damages caused by an impact with another vehicle or a stationary object. You will need to pay a deductible before you can benefit from these coverages, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP)—or medical payments coverage (Med Pay), depending on your state—may also help cover all of your passenger’s medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other injury-related damages. In some states, these coverages may also require a deductible.
- In many states, you may be able to receive uninsured motorist coverage (also known as UM, UIM, or UMPD) if the other driver’s identity remains unknown, or if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. However, some states like California, Colorado, and Texas do NOT require insurance providers to offer uninsured motorist coverage, so it may or may not be available depending on where you live.
File a car accident claim
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident that wasn’t your fault, working with a lawyer can give you the confidence and expertise you need to make sure you receive a fair settlement.
Ready to file a car accident claim? Let our team help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Get your free case review today.
