After a hit-and-run accident, most victims first think of reporting it to the police. However, in these accidents, there may be more value in collecting evidence than calling the cops. Hit and run accidents occur when someone is struck by an unidentified driver who flees the scene without stopping to render aid or provide personal details. Fortunately, these accidents are not as common as other car crashes. However, they happen frequently enough for drivers and pedestrians alike to know what to do if you’re involved in one.
Collect Any Physical Evidence
If you can, try to collect any physical evidence on the scene. This could include a piece of the other vehicle’s windshield that broke off and is now embedded in your car, a broken headlight, or even a tire track left behind by the offending vehicle. Physical evidence could help identify the other vehicle, its license plate number (if visible), and other identifying features.
Document Your Physical Conditions
As a victim, it’s essential to document your physical condition. You can note any health issues or concerns resulting from the accident, including any pain you’re experiencing. You may also want to document any medication (prescription or over-the-counter) that you’re taking and the dosage. This will help medical professionals note your current state and provide you with the proper treatment and care.
Gathering Witness Statements and Finding a Lawyer
One of the most important things you can do after a hit-and-run accident is to find witnesses, gather witness statements, and find hit and run accident lawyers. This will help to build your case against the at-fault driver and potentially gain financial compensation for your injuries and damages. Witnesses can be anyone present near the scene of the accident, even if they did not see the entire incident. You can start by asking anyone who might have been nearby if they witnessed the accident and if they would be willing to provide a witness statement.
Take Photos of the Scene
It’s also important to take photos of the scene and any physical damage to your car. Doing so will help show the damage to your vehicle. It will also help lead the police department and insurance adjusters to what occurred during the accident to help them understand what happened.
Record the Scene Immediately after the Accident
It’s essential to record the scene immediately after the accident. You can do this with your smartphone or any other recording device. However, it’s necessary to make sure that you do not disturb the scene in any way. It would help if you also tried to avoid touching any vehicles or other property involved in the accident. Doing so could potentially tamper with evidence or create more issues in your claim. As soon as you’ve completed your scene recording, it would help if you tried to contact the police department to report the accident.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that hit-and-run accidents are severe and can result in lifelong injuries that impact victims’ lives. It’s also important to remember that insurance companies often have their methods for investigating a hit-and-run accident. They may attempt to go after the other driver in trying to track their car insurance. This method may not always be effective, but it is the one-way companies attempt to resolve these cases.