If you are ever a victim of a hit-and-run accident, knowing your rights and protecting them is essential. A hit and run accident can be a very traumatic experience, and it is vital to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The driver who caused the accident will often never be identified or caught. It can leave you feeling helpless and uncertain about your future. Here are some useful tips on protecting your rights after a hit and run accident.
Seek Medical Treatment
Often, people who have been involved in an accident wait to see a doctor only after the pain and symptoms of their injuries become too difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, it may be too late for some treatment or diagnosis by this point. If you suspect that you have suffered a serious injury due to the hit-and-run accident, you must get medical attention immediately. When seeking treatment for your injuries, be sure to document all costs and keep copies of all paperwork and records. This way, if you do need to file a claim, later on, you will already have these documents in your possession.
Speak With An Attorney
Because pursuing a claim for personal injury can be complicated and time-consuming in Sacramento. It is always good to speak with a hit and run attorney in Sacramento before taking action. These lawyers can offer advice, help you build the most robust possible case, and help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Collect Evidence Of The Accident
In many cases, evidence collected soon after an accident can be the most valuable for building a case. For this reason, you must take steps to preserve and protect evidence of any hit and run accident. This includes:
Photographs of the scene
Try to take photographs not only of your vehicle, but also pictures of skid marks and other evidence left at the scene. Be sure to place traffic cones around these items to not disturb or destroy them before police arrive.
Statements from witnesses
Witnesses may have been injured in a hit and run accident or seen precisely how it all happened. Either way, they may prove invaluable to your case. Be sure to get contact information and statements from any witnesses who saw the accident or its aftermath.
Medical records
If you seek medical attention after a hit and run accident, you should also request copies of all medical reports and bills related to your injuries. Also, ask for copies of x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc., if these were performed on your injuries.
Contact The Police And File A Report
Even if you cannot identify the driver who caused your injuries, filing a report will put an official record in place in case other leads do emerge in the future. It also helps law enforcement know that these types of accidents may be occurring in your area and that they should prioritize finding suspects or leads. Additionally, police reports often contain helpful information about timelines, witness statements, etc., all of which are integral to winning your case.
Keep All Records And Receipts Related To Your Claim
It is essential to keep every document related to your claim to have them on hand if you need to file a lawsuit or aid in negotiations with an insurance company. They include:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Bills
- Photographs
- Witness statements
Receipts are essential here because they can help establish the extent of your injuries. Any receipts for medical treatment or other expenses caused by the hit and run accident should also be kept as evidence.
Be Patient
Even when victims take every step possible after a hit and run accident, it may still be difficult to move forward with their case due to delays or unanswered questions from police or insurance companies. Because of this, it is essential to be patient and keep in mind that every case has its legal process. Although this process can seem like an eternity at times, your case will eventually move forward, and you may receive the compensation you deserve.
You can do many things to protect yourself and pursue a claim for the hit and run accident. By retaining as much evidence as possible, which includes filing a police report at the scene of the accident, taking photographs of both your injuries and any damage to your vehicle or other property caused by the responsible party, speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney, and with witnesses who saw what happened, etc. By doing this, you will be ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for your pain and suffering.
