What to Do if You Are a Victim of a Hit and Run

The percentage of hit-and-run accidents recorded per year in the United States has been rising for several years. Even though the total number of deaths from car collisions has declined marginally, casualties from hit-and-run crashes have drastically increased. This is most likely due to a mixture of safer vehicles and riskier drivers. The advances in technology in our vehicles may help to protect those of us who are inside, but the technology in our pockets may put everyone around us in danger.

The risks of texting and driving are evident. In fact, pedestrians and cyclists are regularly involved in hit-and-run collisions. Unfortunately, advances in vehicle safety are of no benefit to these unfortunate souls. The following are the top 6 steps to take if you are a victim of a hit and run.

Take Pictures of Evidence

It is important to establish concrete evidence that you were a victim of a hit-and-run. There could be skid marks on your windshield, paint on your car, or a clearly noticeable wound. Much of this is just temporal. The skid marks will eventually disappear, your vehicle will either be repaired or removed, and your injuries will recover. There could be no proof that these things ever existed if there are no images.

Report the Incident

Even if you don’t know who hit you, law enforcement has the capability to track and identify people. So, it is imperative that you report the incident. Although you may not know who was the driver or the make and model of the vehicle, the accident report will reveal that it was a hit-and-run. This is critical for your insurance claim.

Seek Medical Attention

This is evident if you have been critically injured. Even if you just have a minor injury, it is still vital that you seek medical care. For a variety of factors, many people want to avoid medical attention. Some people may simply be toughing it out, while others may be wanting to avoid paying a doctor’s bill. Injuries tend to resurface later, especially, if there has been soft tissue injuries. By waiting to seek medical attention, it might make it more challenging to prove that the treatments you received, a few days or weeks later, is related to the accident.

Gather Witnesses

There might not be anything you can do, if you’re on a major highway with nothing but cars whooshing by. Nonetheless, if there are people who may have seen the hit-and-run, ask them to share details with you about the driver and car. Small details can help law enforcement track down the individual. Also, request their name as well as their phone number, in case you or your attorney need to reach them later.

File an Insurance Claim

Your insurance provider makes money by giving you the least amount of money possible, so they’re looking for a way out. That is why it is important to obtain legal advice ahead of time. The intention isn’t to make up a fake narrative, but to avoid being duped into saying things that aren’t real. You are a sensible person. Rational people do not believe they are flawless, and they do not simply blame others for anything that goes wrong with their lives. However, if you were hit by no fault of your own, it is important that your insurance company is well-aware of this. This will ensure you receive the maximum amount of benefits.

Search for Video Cameras

These days, traffic cameras and security cameras on business premises are extremely popular. There’s a fair chance that the incident was caught on video . Ask nearby businesses if cameras are installed in the vicinity, where the accident occurred.