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Accidents like hit-and-runs can be scary and disorienting. One moment, you’re on the road, driving, walking, or riding your bike, and the next, someone crashes into you and speeds off. It’s common to feel shaken and anxious after experiencing a hit-and-run incident, but taking a moment to breathe and knowing the next steps to take can help keep yourself safe and uphold your rights.
This guide will explain the steps you can take after a hit-and-run accident. From checking for injuries to gathering important details and understanding your legal options, these tips can help you handle the situation and work toward pursuing justice and compensation for your case.
Disclaimer: The following information is for general guidance only and may not apply to every situation. It should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for speaking with an attorney about your specific circumstances.
Steps To Take After A Hit-and-Run
When a driver flees the scene of an accident they caused, they are blatantly violating the law and evading their responsibility. Drivers at fault must assist, exchange contact details and insurance information with the affected party, and wait for the authorities to arrive.
If you become a victim of a hit-and-run, it’s crucial to treat the incident with the utmost seriousness, just like any other car collision. To protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering damages, follow these recommended steps:
Stay At The Scene Of The Accident
Leaving the scene after a collision can result in serious legal consequences similar to those faced by a hit-and-run driver. By staying, you have a chance to collect important pieces of evidence that can help identify the hit-and-run driver. Furthermore, law enforcement will document the incident and file an official report, which is critical for insurance purposes and, potentially, a legal case. Your absence may lead to some details of the accident being misreported or completely left out.
Prioritize Your Safety
One important thing you might worry about after being in a hit-and-run accident is your well-being. Assess if you sustained any visible injuries or if you feel any pain in certain parts of your body. Check the other occupants of your vehicle if you are traveling with anyone.
Afterward, call 911 and provide the dispatcher with the following details:
- The nature of the accident, in this case, a hit-and-run
- The approximate location of the accident
- The number of injured victims
- If the accident caused any road blockages or structural damage
If you can, relocate to a safer area to prevent any further accidents. If your vehicle is still in working order after the accident, move it out of the way of traffic. In case of total wreckage, determine whether it is safe to leave the vehicle. It is advisable to wait for the first responders before moving anyone who has sustained injuries.
Get Medical Care
When emergency medical personnel arrive, let them assess your condition for immediate care and possible transport to a hospital. It’s important to seek further medical attention promptly. While emergency responders can conduct initial assessments, a physician’s thorough examination is crucial for identifying hidden injuries that may not be apparent right away.
Early evaluation can detect hidden injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, allowing you to get immediate treatment for them. Additionally, seeking medical care right after the accident can strengthen your insurance claim. Delays in seeking treatment may give insurance companies an opportunity to downplay the severity of your injuries. Prompt care enables you to provide accurate documentation, which supports your claim for fair compensation.
Preserve Information
In a hit-and-run, take note of as many of the following details as you can about the fleeing vehicle:
- Make, model, and color.
- License plate number.
- The direction the vehicle went when it sped away.
- Any distinctive features of the vehicle or driver.
If there are witnesses, ask them for information you might have missed and get their contact details. Their accounts of the accident can help support your claim.
Collect Evidence
If it’s possible, you can start gathering pieces of evidence on your own. These include:
- Photos of your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
- Statements from witnesses, if available.
- Other physical evidence, such as a fragment of the hit-and-run vehicle or paint chips.
Nearby traffic or security cameras may have recorded the incident, which can help identify the hit-and-run driver. Forensic experts can also analyze evidence to determine the make and model of the fleeing vehicle.
The evidence you gather is important for both the authorities and insurance companies. Make sure to keep a copy for your hit-and-run accident attorney to help with your case and support your claim.
Report The Accident
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, don’t chase after the driver. Engaging with them could be dangerous and lead to another accident. Instead, stay at the scene and report the hit-and-run incident to the following:
- The Authorities — Call 911 to notify local police. If they don’t come to the scene, contact your local police department directly. Remember that some states, like California, require you to report accidents causing over $1,000 in damages within 10 days, which you can do through the DMV website. A police report is crucial, as it can help substantiate your claim and may assist in finding the driver.
- Your Insurer — Notify your insurance company promptly, as different insurers may have varied reporting deadlines. Reporting quickly not only helps you recall details accurately but also boosts the credibility of your claim.
Talk To A Hit-and-Run Lawyer
If you’re considering filing a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation, it is important to consult with experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers prior to making any decisions. When you sustain injuries after a hit-and-run, your accident lawyer can gather evidence to help you identify the at-fault driver. If it’s impossible to get this done, your hit-and-run accident attorney can help you get compensated fairly through your insurance company.
Making An Insurance Claim After A Hit-and-Run Accident
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, there are a number of ways you can claim damages after a hit-and-run incident. If the authorities were able to find the hit-and-run driver, then you can seek damages from their insurance company.
However, if the driver remains at large, you can file a claim with your auto insurance policy. Your hit-and-run accident attorney can help you identify applicable policies and benefits. Coverage options and benefits can vary by state and insurance provider, so understanding your policy is critical.
Here are some of the insurance policies that may cover you after a hit-and-run:
- Collision Coverage — This coverage helps pay for the repair or replacement of your car if it’s damaged in a collision, regardless of whether the at-fault driver is found. If you lease or finance your vehicle, collision coverage is usually required. For fully owned vehicles, it’s optional but highly beneficial in hit-and-run scenarios.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage — If the hit-and-run driver is never located, uninsured motorist coverage can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage. In some states, this coverage is mandatory, while in others, it’s optional.
- MedPay — MedPay is an optional add-on to your auto insurance that helps pay for medical expenses if you’re injured in an accident. It covers things like physical therapy, surgery, and chiropractic care, as long as those treatments are necessary for your injuries. This coverage is also helpful if you’re a passenger in a hit-and-run or even a pedestrian who gets hurt. It’s a practical way to seek compensation to cover the medical care you need after an accident.
How Much Money Can I Get From A Hit-and-Run?
Several variables determine how much compensation you can pursue after a hit-and-run. Depending on the specifics of your hit-and-run accident case, your claim may cover both economic and non-economic damages, which may include:
- Medical costs
- Vehicle repair expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
There may be more to the list, depending on your circumstances. The compensation you may receive is also heavily influenced by the severity of your injuries. Severe injuries, such as amputations, spinal cord damage, and head injuries, normally result in higher settlements. These injuries have a devastating and often permanent impact on a victim’s life, which affects their long-term well-being.
Calculating damages and navigating multiple insurance policies can be challenging on your own. Hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you assess your damages and negotiate with insurance companies in these situations.
How An Attorney Can Help After A Hit-and-Run Accident
After a hit-and-run accident, a lawyer will help you understand your rights. They can also guide you in exploring alternative options for financial compensation if you cannot locate the at-fault driver. While your options may be limited in this situation, an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer can guide you through the available steps that can help you seek compensation. Here are some other ways a hit-and-run accident attorney can assist you:
- Investigate your case and gather the necessary pieces of evidence to support your claim.
- Determine and calculate a fair compensation amount.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to advocate for your interests.
Our hit-and-run accident lawyers can assist you in filing your claim and gathering evidence to support it. For decades, Arash Law has helped victims and their families with their insurance claims and personal injury cases. Our injury law firm offers legal assistance to individuals who have been injured, including victims of hit-and-run accidents. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
Hit-and-Run Statistics
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents occur frequently across the United States. Between 2018 and 2022, over 4 million hit-and-run incidents were reported, resulting in more than 12,000 fatalities. While many of these cases primarily involved property damage, the number of lives lost remains alarmingly high.
In 2022 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 2,932 hit-and-run fatalities, reflecting a 0.5% increase from the previous year. Among the 7,522 pedestrian fatalities that year, approximately 25% (or 1,910 deaths) were caused by hit-and-run drivers. Similarly, of the 1,105 pedal cyclist fatalities in 2022, about 24% (or 265 deaths) were attributed to hit-and-run collisions.
California recorded the highest number of fatal hit-and-run accidents in 2022, with a total of 490 deaths. According to data from UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), California recorded a total of 4,214 fatalities in road-related accidents that year. In other words, more than 1 in 10 fatal crashes in the Golden State involve a hit-and-run, which indicates an alarming trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is A Hit-and-Run Investigated?
When a hit-and-run incident occurs, the police will investigate by gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses and victims. Some of the pieces of evidence the authorities can gather from the accident scene are:
- Physical evidence from the accident scene including tire marks and transferred paint from the collision.
- Video recordings from available surveillance devices.
- Statements from eyewitnesses and victims,
Car accident lawyers who handle hit-and-run cases can conduct independent investigations to assess the incident further. They can collaborate with forensic experts, analyze evidence further, and uncover additional leads to support your case and identify potential sources of compensation.
I Received A Settlement Offer From My Insurance Company For A Hit-and-Run. Should I Take It?
Before accepting a settlement offer, it’s advisable to consult a lawyer. Insurance companies typically seek to manage costs, so their initial settlement offer may not address all your current and future expenses. Settling too quickly without fully understanding the extent of your damages could leave you undercompensated. Remember, once you accept the offer, you waive your right to pursue additional compensation even if unforeseen medical treatments or other costs arise later.
Hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you negotiate an appropriate settlement that accounts for your losses. In addition to evaluating your damages, they also provide you with estimates of your future losses. They can gather important documents to support the compensation you are seeking.
Do You Have To Pay Your Deductible For A Hit-and-Run?
Whether you have to pay a deductible for a hit-and-run depends on the type of insurance coverage and state-specific regulations. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it may help cover the damages without requiring a deductible. However, if you rely on your collision coverage to repair your vehicle after a hit-and-run, you will likely need to pay your deductible. Your insurance provider pays the remaining costs afterward. Speak with your insurer and hit-and-run accident attorney to understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.
Do I Need Hit-and-Run Attorneys After An Accident?
After a hit-and-run collision, you may be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my claim?” A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, leveraging their knowledge to pursue a favorable outcome for your case. Hiring a hit-and-run accident lawyer offers the following advantages:
- They can support your efforts to seek a settlement or coverage that may compensate your losses.
- They can collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists and forensic experts to identify the driver and gather critical evidence.
- A lawyer can calculate your potential losses and estimate the settlement amount that reflects your damages.
- Your hit-and-run accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance provider to pursue a fair settlement.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, a seasoned hit-and-run injury attorney can represent you in court.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Hire Hit-and-Run Attorneys?
Hiring a lawyer for hit-and-run victims typically involves no upfront costs, as most work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf. Their fee is typically a percentage of your settlement, depending on your state and the terms of the agreement.
At Arash Law, hit-and-run accident attorneys only receive payment if you recover damages. You don’t owe them any attorney’s fees if they are unable to secure compensation. Although you may still be responsible for other costs related to your case, our legal team can discuss our fee arrangement during consultation so you are informed of all potential costs. This arrangement aligns your attorney’s interests with your own, motivating them to pursue fair compensation for your case.
Hit-and-Run Injury? Call Arash Law’s Accident Attorneys
A hit-and-run accident can be confusing and terrifying at the same time. In case you were a victim of this accident, it’s important to take steps to safeguard your legal interests. Consult with a hit-and-run accident lawyer to learn how to pursue a settlement that is fair and appropriate for the damages you suffered.
As one of the established personal injury law firms in California, we can navigate the complexities of your case. We’ve assisted numerous clients in seeking compensation for various personal injury cases, and we are ready to help you, too.
Apart from handling hit-and-run accidents, our lawyers have years of experience in representing victims of car collisions, slip-and-falls, DUI accidents, wrongful deaths, rideshare incidents, truck crashes, pedestrian accidents, bicycle collisions, and dog bite claims. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
