A hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic and stressful situation for any driver. While it may feel overwhelming, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm and collected. In this blog post, we will investigate the necessary steps to take in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident.
From reporting the incident to the authorities and seeking medical attention to collecting key evidence and filing an insurance claim, we will provide a detailed guide on what do do in a hit and run after experiencing this type of accident.
Additionally, more elders drive and die in hit-and-run accidents than any other age group. This was also the case in 2019, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
While many of these incidents are due to medical emergencies or elderly drivers who are unable to stop their cars after an accident, it’s still important for all drivers to understand what steps need to be taken if involved in a hit-and-run. There are also different types of elder abuse that can occur during hit-and-run cases, such as physical abuse or financial exploitation.
Here are the things you should do after a hit-and-run accident:
Investigating the Accident
In any hit-and-run situation, the most important thing you should do is to try to obtain as much information about the other driver and vehicle as possible. It is necessary to document the details of the accident and gather evidence, such as pictures or witness statements. When involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is also essential to initiate an investigation to identify the responsible party.
- To initiate the investigation, start by taking pictures of the scene of the accident and note any details of the vehicle that fled. Obtaining information such as the make, model, color, and license plate number of the fleeing car can be helpful in tracking down the driver.
- Next, document any nearby witnesses and get their contact information to assist with future investigations. Remember to call the police immediately and file a report.
- Furthermore, if there are any surveillance cameras nearby, note their location and try to obtain footage of the accident. This information can be crucial in identifying the responsible party in a hit-and-run and bringing them to justice.
The authority will be able to review the surveillance footage, gather information from witnesses and use other resources to locate the responsible driver. You can also check with your local department of motor vehicles and law enforcement offices to see if there are any hit-and-run accident reports in the area.
Follow-Up Actions
Following a hit-and-run accident, it is critical to take immediate action and gather as much information as possible to identify the driver who fled the scene. However, the follow-up actions you take after the accident are just as important when it comes to identifying and prosecuting the suspect. Here are some steps you should take after a hit-and-run:
1. Contact your insurance company to report the accident and see what coverage you may have for damages or medical expenses incurred from the incident.
2. Contact witnesses and obtain their statements.
3. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you were injured in the accident.
4. Obtain an attorney to assist with any legal matters related to the hit-and-run.
Keep documentation of all communications and details related to the accident to help you prepare for a potential court case. Remember, the effort you put into your follow-up actions can greatly increase your chances of finding the guilty party and seeking justice.
Consequences of Getting Involved in a Hit and Run
Hit-and-run accidents can have a lasting impact on both the victim and the perpetrator. Depending on the severity of the incident, perpetrators could face serious criminal charges including jail time or fines. In some cases, hit-and-run drivers can be held liable for damages to property as well as medical expenses related to any injuries caused by an accident. Here are the additional consequences of a hit-and-run:
1. Possible suspension or revocation of the driver’s license
2. Fines and jail time, depending on the severity of damage caused by the accident
3. Increased insurance rates due to the incident
4. Criminal record if found guilty
5. Difficulty obtaining loans and other financial services
It’s important to remember that hit-and-run accidents are very serious and should not be taken lightly. While it might seem like the easier option at the time, fleeing from an accident can have long-term consequences, both financially and legally. Ultimately, if you are ever involved in a hit and run accident, it is always best to remain at the scene and contact the police as soon as possible.
Common Reasons Why a Person May Flee After an Accident
There are a variety of reasons why someone may flee the scene of an accident. Some of the most common include:
1. The driver is under the influence and worried about facing criminal charges or jail time.
2. The driver doesn’t have auto insurance, or the coverage they have is inadequate for the damage caused.
3. The driver is afraid of facing financial responsibility for the accident and does not want to cover any repair or medical costs associated with it.
4. The driver panicked at the moment and wasn’t thinking clearly, so they made a poor decision to leave the scene before gathering all the necessary information.
In Conclusion
Hit-and-run accidents can be emotionally and financially devastating for the victim. Taking the proper steps after a hit-and-run accident is essential as it can help victims identify the responsible party, seek justice, and receive compensation for any damages or medical expenses incurred from the incident.
Knowing what to do in case of a hit and run accident can help ensure that you are prepared in the event of such an incident. Remember, the effort you put into your follow-up actions can greatly influence the outcome of the situation.
If you ever find yourself involved in a hit-and-run accident, remain calm and take action quickly to ensure that you receive justice for any damages caused. Once again, it is important to remember that fleeing from an accident can have long-term consequences, both financially and legally.
The best advice is to remain at the scene, contact the authorities, and take all necessary steps to seek justice for any damages caused by the hit-and-run incident. For more information on how to handle a hit-and-run situation, consult with your local police department or insurance company.
