Getting into a hit-and-run accident can be a shocking whirlwind of an experience. It can happen so fast, and it’s often hard to get your bearings back in time to gather the information that would be most helpful for making an insurance claim.

While the experience can be overwhelming at the moment, knowing a bit about what you should do in advance can help you be better prepared if it happens. The first thing is knowing your hit-and-run legal rights, which outline the level of compensation you’re entitled to.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

Let’s go step-by-step and figure out what to do after a hit and run. Accidents are often chaotic in their immediate aftermath, so it’s important to have a sense of what to do before you find yourself in such a situation. Here are the steps to take:

1. Ensure You’re Safe then Seek Medical Help

First and foremost, you have to make sure that you and any passengers are safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Your safety is the first priority, so make sure that you and those around you are out of harm’s way, especially if the accident occurred on a busy road.

2. Contact Law Enforcement

Once you’ve ensured your own safety and that of others, report the incident as quickly as you can. Call 911, and they will help you document the incident and lay the foundation for potential legal action. The police will then create an accident report, which will be essential for pursuing a hit and run claim later.

3. Collect Evidence at the Scene

Once police arrive at the scene, you can begin your efforts for hit and run evidence collection. Gather as much information and document as much as you can about the incident:

• Take Photos: Use your phone to take photos of the damage to your vehicle. You can also take photos of your surroundings, including any debris or skid marks in the area.
• Write Down Details: Note the time, location, and any other details that you can remember about the other vehicle involved. Small details like the color of the car or even part of its license plate number can help.
• Look for Witnesses: Look around to speak to anyone who might have witnessed the incident. If you find anyone, write down their names and any contact information to help with your case.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

After you have completed the above steps, notify your insurance company about the hit and run accident. They will ask you for specific details about the incident and any evidence you have collected. Your insurance policy will have specific guides about hit and run accidents and how to follow through with them.

Hit and Run Legal Rights: Understanding Your Rights as a Victim

If you are the victim of a hit and run, there are legal rights in place to help you secure rightful compensation for any injuries or damages sustained.

Getting a good grasp of your hit and run legal rights can make a big difference not only in the outcome but also in your motivation to move forward confidently with your claim.

• Right to File a Police Report: Your first right is to report the incident to the local police department. A police report will provide proper documentation and evidence needed for a crime of this type.
• Right to Seek Compensation: After the incident, you are entitled to seek compensation for hit and run accidents. Compensation can be pursued to cover any vehicle damage, medical expenses incurred, lost wages, and even emotional distress caused.
• Right to Legal Representation: As with all legal issues in the United States, you have the right to consult with an attorney to determine whether you’d like to pursue legal action. 

Pursuing a Hit and Run Claim

Pursuing a hit and run claim is not usually easy, unfortunately. That’s why we’re helping with a step-by-step guide on how to approach making a claim with limited information:

1. Work with Your Insurance Company

If you are in a hit and run situation, it’s important to determine your ability to secure compensation for a hit and run accident. This often begins with your insurance policy. If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM), this insurance will likely cover your damages in the case of a hit and run incident.

2. Consult an Attorney

If you’re having trouble processing your claim with your insurance company to your satisfaction, it might be time to contact a personal injury lawyer. Such attorneys are well-versed in hit and run cases and can help you not only understand your hit and run legal rights but also get a settlement. 

3. Document Everything

Whether you are just doing the insurance claim yourself or working with a lawyer, the most important thing is to document as much as you can. Keep an organized file that includes the following:

• The Police Report: The official accident report is a key piece of evidence.
• Medical Records: If you were injured, keep detailed records of all your medical visits, treatments, and expenses.
• Repair Estimates: Obtain detailed estimates for any vehicle damage.
• Witness Statements: If you have witness contact information, your lawyer or insurance company may follow up with them for more detailed statements.

What Can You Claim?

After the crash, it may be possible to secure compensation for hit and run accidents to help cover the costs. There are a few different costs and compensations you can pursue in your insurance claim:

• Vehicle Repairs: Damage your vehicle sustained can be claimed as compensation for the repair costs, or, in the case of your vehicle being totaled, the total loss value of your vehicle.
• Medical Expenses: Any treatments or medical expenses you incur from the accident can be claimed. This includes healthcare costs such as hospital visits, surgery, medications, and rehabilitation costs.
• Lost Wages: You can also pursue compensation for lost wages due to being unable to work from injuries sustained in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Finally, it is also possible to claim emotional distress from the accident, compensating for the pain and suffering it caused you.

How to Maximize Your Chances of a Successful Claim

Now that you have everything you need, the last step is taking action in the way most likely to get your claim processed to your maximum benefit. Here are some tips for this:

• Act Quickly: Reporting the incident and contacting your insurance company right away shows that you believe the situation is serious and it should be handled accordingly.
• Be Honest: Always tell the truth to law enforcement, your insurance company, and your attorney. If you’re caught in a lie, even a minor one, it can seriously weaken your case.
• Keep a Record: Keep a record of all your communications with your insurance company, law enforcement, and medical professionals. As with other forms of evidence, this can help ensure the process unfolds smoothly.
• Don’t Accept Quick Settlements: Insurance companies may put forward a quick settlement to stop you from going further, but this may not be the full amount you are entitled to. If this happens, it’s best to check with an attorney to see if it seems fair.

Final Thoughts

Any hit and run incident can leave you feeling shaken, frustrated, and unsure. In such situations, knowing your hit and run legal rights can make all the difference.

Although the process can be challenging, being proactive can help protect your rights and achieve the justice you deserve. The key is to act quickly and remember that you still have legal rights even if the responsible party has fled. Whether you are working through insurance or pursuing further legal action, we hope the above steps can help you obtain the justice you truly deserve.