When you are a hit-and-run victim, the last thing on your mind is what to do next. It is natural to go through the immediate shock and confusion that uncertainty brings; what am I going to do now? But what you do immediately after the accident — in mere minutes and days – is critical to your safety, legal rights and possible compensation. Key Steps After A Hit And Run Accident This post serves as a guide addressing the critical steps youths must take after being involved in hit-and-run situations.
1. Ensure Safety First
After an accident, the safety of all involved parties should be a top priority. Call 911 immediately for emergency medical help if someone is hurt. If your car is drivable, try to drive it off the street so no one else hits you.
2. Gather Information
If you are hit by a driver who flees, make sure to get as much information or evidence about their identity. This could include:
Description of the vehicle (make, model and colour)
Partial of full plate number
Later That day the direction in which of travel for the Vehicle — was known.
Information on the scene of the accident: road, weather
Contact information for any witnesses
Be sure to photograph the scene, your car and injuries directly after undoing from a collision.
3. Notify the Police
If you fell victim to a hit-and-run accident, reporting this information by Police in good time is essential. Full details of everything you discovered. We recommend taking a police report as this would be required for any subsequent legal action or insurance claims.
4. Seek Medical Attention
After the incident, you may feel that everything is fine but it is important to get a medical assessment. You might have other injuries that will not show until a lot later, and if you need to claim damages then having seen someone medically is going to be essential
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company While it may not be possible to locate the hit-and-run driver, your insurance company will likely cover should include uninsured motorist coverage with a policy. Give them the police report and any proof of your findings.
6. Talk to a Hit & Run Lawyer
Hit-and-Runs: How to Get Help from a Hit-and-Run Attorney Speaking to a reputable hit-and-run attorney will help you clarify your rights, consider the options available to you and make certain that you are legally taking steps that protect yourself.
7. Know Your Legal Rights
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a very serious violation in California. Should the hit-and-run driver be found, he or she could also end up with criminal charges and face fines as well as time behind bars. You could also have a claim for reimbursement of your medical bills, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. At Alimourilaw Firm, we specialize in helping victims of hit-and-run accidents secure the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today at (626) 314-3595 for a consultation.