A hit and run accident can occur when one driver hits another car, pedestrian or property and drives away without notifying law enforcement authorities, assisting injured victims, or exchanging information with the other parties involved in the crash. A driver who escapes from the crash scene commits a crime. If you are a victim who has been left alone by a hit and run driver after an accident, the experienced car accident lawyers at Douglas & London have provided crucial information regarding your rights should you feel the need to pursue justice later on.
Stay at the scene
You should not leave the scene like the other driver because it is a crime. Instead, you should notify local law enforcement about the collision. In addition, you should get checked by a medical professional to get treated for any injuries you may have sustained from the crash.
Sometimes, the injuries sustained in a collision are not visible or noticeable at first. Therefore, you should get a thorough medical check-up to establish whether you have internal injuries or not. Remember to keep the medical records you will receive from the Emergency Room or your doctor. These documents will help to build your case in future.
File a police report
Next, you should take pictures of your damaged car and the scene of the collision. When the police officers arrive at the scene, you must file a police report. The police report will act as crucial evidence in any future proceedings if you plan to seek damages from the negligent driver.
Share information about the other driver
You must share any information about the driver who fled with the police officers. Information such as the model, make, color and license plates of the other car can help the police to locate the driver who fled. You can also share the direction they fled to, any noticeable bumper stickers you saw and the description of the other driver if you managed to see them.
Talk to witnesses
Witnesses may have crucial information that can strengthen your case because they may have seen something which may assist law enforcement officers to locate the driver who fled. Therefore, you should get their contact information. In addition, if CCTV cameras, video doorbells or security cameras were recording the area at the time of the collision, you can request for footage from the owners.
Call an attorney
You should hire an attorney who can assist you to seek compensation. Lawyers have the legal knowledge, experience, and access to investigators to assist you in getting compensation. They can also help you to file a lawsuit against the liable driver and hold them accountable for reckless driving and fleeing the scene. In addition, an attorney can skillfully communicate and negotiate with insurance adjusters and companies to ensure you get a fair settlement amount.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should stay at the scene, call law enforcement officers, file a police report, get medically checked by a doctor, take pics of the damaged vehicle, collect contact information from witnesses and hire an attorney. All these actions will enable you to pursue justice in future for the losses you have incurred.