Four Tips For Those Involved In A Hit-And-Run Accident
When you get into a car accident you expect to pull over, wait for the police, and then talk with the other driver regarding insurance information and the like. What do you do if the other driver pulls away, rather than waiting for you at the scene of the crash? This is known as a hit-and-run accident, and this behavior is actually illegal. Here are four steps you should follow if you are ever involved in such an incident:
1. Note as much information as possible about the car.
Immediately write down or otherwise record as much information as you can about the car that hit you; this will make it easier for the police to track down the driver. Note the color of the car, the make and model if you recognize it, and any letters or numbers from the license plate that you can recall. It's okay if you cannot catch the whole plate number -- even knowing two or three digits and the color of the car will allow police to narrow down the potential perpetrators based on driving records and registration information.
2. Call your insurance company.
Do not wait to call your insurance company. Most policies have hit-and-run accident coverage of some sort, and the sooner you make your insurance company aware of your situation, the sooner they can start processing your claim. Some insurance companies may leave your claim open for a few days in hopes that the police will catch the other driver in the meantime. Your insurance company will let you know if this is their policy.
3. Call a lawyer.
You may or may not actually end up needing a lawyer, depending on whether the police catch the other driver and whether your insurance company agrees to pay the claim. However, if you do need a lawyer, you are better off contacting one immediately rather than waiting. The lawyer can guide you through processes like showing up to police interviews and filing an insurance claim.
4. Don't delay medical care.
Some people involved in hit-and-run accidents refuse medical care because they fear it won't be covered by insurance. This can come back to bite you if the other driver is caught and you end up with a personal injury case against them. Without medical records, you'll have a hard time proving your injuries are due to the accident. You should always seek medical care after a crash, even if the other driver takes off.
Follow the tips above after any hit and run collision, and visit sites like https://www.clearfieldinjurylawyer.com/ for more information.