A car accident can be stressful. And if you’re the victim of a hit and run, it makes you frustrated and paralyzed with fear. A hit-and-run accident can be a terrifying experience, causing personal injuries and car damage and giving you many questions. In these moments, knowing what to do next is a necessity — both legally and in terms of safety, is essential.
Victims are not powerless — you have the law on your side. Many physical and emotional challenges are faced by victims of a hit-and-run. That’s why it’s mandatory to seek experienced legal help after a hit-and-run injury. A seasoned lawyer can help you through every aspect of the process, make sure you don’t miss important deadlines, and stand up to insurance companies on your behalf.
Taking quick action in the aftermath of the accident, with the assistance of an experienced attorney, can make a huge difference. It guarantees that you have someone in your corner who knows exactly how to handle hit-and-run accidents.
Here are five legal moves you should make immediately after a hit-and-run accident:
Call the police right away
It is essential to call the police and give them all the details you know. The accident should be documented as soon as possible. Be sure to share any details you noticed, such as the other car’s make, color, direction of travel, or any part of the license plate you recall. A description of the perpetrator helps law enforcement track down those responsible. You can also look at footage from surveillance cameras around the accident scene.
Seek medical attention, even if you are okay after the accident
Whether you are injured or not, you must seek medical assistance. You won’t be able to feel the pain right after the accident due to an adrenaline rush, but the pain will hit you after a while. Some injuries don’t show immediate symptoms, like internal bleeding, head injuries, etc. Also, any medical attention you get should be documented. Obtaining copies of these medical records can be very helpful during insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Gather evidence through photographs
If you are physically able, use your phone to take photos of the incident. Focus on details such as the damage to your vehicle, any skid marks on the road, shattered glass scattered around, and any visible injuries you may have sustained. Talk to people who are present near the accident site and get their contact information. You can ask them to be witnesses for your claim, but they’re not required to provide any statements.
Notify your insurance company about the accident
Let your insurance provider know what happened during and after the hit-and-run accident as soon as possible because different companies have different deadlines for hit-and-run cases. This may prevent you from retrieving your insurance amount, and you may lose your compensation. Based on the insurance coverage you have, you may be eligible for compensation under the uninsured motorist policy. Be aware of how you interact with insurance companies because they may try to reduce payouts, even if you’re the victim.
Speak with an attorney who handles hit-and-run cases
After a traumatic incident happens, you should know what your legal rights are. The faster you hire a personal injury lawyer, the sooner they can guide you and handle the legal side of things. If your accident justifies a civil case, they can help you file a lawsuit against the liable driver, holding them accountable for their reckless driving and for leaving the scene to evade responsibility.
Even if the at-fault driver is never identified, you may still have a strong legal claim, especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage or if other parties share liability. Your personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Getting into a hit-and-run incident is a devastating experience—you can be confused about how to proceed. But the law can help you find a way forward. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hit-and-run, don’t wait. Reach out for experienced legal help after a hit-and-run injury. The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting justice and peace of mind.
