A hit and run accident occurs when on vehicle strikes either another vehicle or pedestrian, and then does not stop to deal with the consequences of the collision. Even if the bump was slight and seemed like nothing of significance to either driver, it is still necessary for both drivers to stop and discuss the situation. If both drivers agree that there is no need to exchange insurance information, then the situation is resolved. But if one driver does not stop to discuss what has happened, then that is a hit and run incident.
Don’t Panic
If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, then the first thing to remember is that you should not panic or get overly angry. When you allow your emotions to get the best of you, then you allow precious moments to slip away that could be used to aid your case. Once the accident happens, you should make sure that you and your passengers do not need emergency medical assistance, and then move on to the next step.
Try To Get As Much Information As You Can
If you can still see the other vehicle after the collision occurs and before the vehicle drives off, then get the vehicle’s license plate number and try to get a description of the vehicle. It would be ideal if you could take out your phone and get pictures of the vehicle, but things can often happen too fast in these situations to allow any pictures. Write down as much of the license plate number as you can and get the most accurate description of the vehicle possible, including any telltale damage or other features of the vehicle that will help to identify it.
Take Pictures Of The Scene
While you may not be able to get your camera out in time to take a picture of the other vehicle, you can take pictures of the scene of the crime. A hit and run accident is considered a crime in most communities, and any legal representation you get for this crime will need all of the visual evidence you can collect to help the case.
Call The Police
If you are able to move yourself and your vehicle out of the path of traffic, then you should do so immediately. Once you have done everything you can to get information on the other vehicle and collect pictures of the crime scene, your next step is to call the police. Work with the police to put together a helpful report on what happened and do your part to get the rest of the police force looking for the vehicle that hit you.
Call A Lawyer
Whether you were injured or not, a hit and run case is not your typical auto accident situation. As soon as you can, you are going to want to get an experienced attorney involved in the case to make sure that your rights are preserved.
A hit and run accident can be both frustrating and terrifying. It is important that you stay as calm as you can, collect as much information as possible, and then take the proper steps to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve and to try and bring the person who hit you to justice.