Understanding Personal Injury Law

Auto Accident Claims: What To Do Following A Hit-And-Run Ordeal

3 November 2022

Kristina Walker

Taking action after a hit-and-run incident can seem daunting if you don't have sufficient information you can rely on. While the law does not allow drivers to leave the scene after a collision, some motorists drive off and don't care what happens to the victims. Because of this, it has become vital for every car owner to know what measures they can take to manage the expenses that may arise from such an incident. Without question, your health must come first, so taking steps to safeguard your well-being is paramount.

Notably, you'll probably have to cover all the costs that ensue from your treatment and other expenses if you fail to identify the other driver. Yet, the insurance company can cover the damages on your behalf if you hold a comprehensive auto insurance policy or have additional coverage like an uninsured motorist plan. This post goes in-depth into vital steps to consider after an accident of this kind.

Prioritize Your Safety 

As much as you can, begin by examining your body, which you can do more effectively if you are calm. If you notice injuries or feel pain anywhere, call for emergency help immediately. You can also check on your passengers if you were not riding alone. In some cases, you may need to move the car to help guarantee safety, especially if you're in the middle of the highway. Staying there for longer may cause traffic buildup and put you in harm's way so that the risk of getting into another crash is high. Nonetheless, once it is safe to do so, take pictures of the scene for evidence.

Contact the Local Authorities

If the emergency team does not need to take you to the hospital for additional check-ups and treatment, law enforcement officers may question you at the scene. You'll need their report while filing for reimbursement, particularly if you have a policy for such an accident or had memorized the other car's license plate. So, once the police write a report, request a copy because the insurance company will need it before they can pay out.

Contact Your Lawyer

The work of law enforcement is to identify and arrest the at-fault driver so that they can be held responsible for their mistakes. After that, your auto accident lawyer comes in to file a claim against the driver, seek rightful compensation for your injuries as well as represent you in a court of law if necessary. 

In a case where the at-fault driver is not found, you will need to file a claim with your insurer. And in such a case, it can be very difficult to try going it alone without legal representation.

Your chances of getting a favorable settlement can improve when you involve an attorney. They'll investigate the case, gather proof to support it, calculate the claim value, and develop the most suitable strategies to help ensure that your provider pays for the damages.

For more info, contact an auto accident lawyer. 

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