If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. A personal injury attorney from The Clardy Law Firm may be able to help. We’re dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims, even if the responsible party isn’t always apparent.
What to do after a hit and run accident
Inspect Your Injuries
As with any auto accident, you should always inspect yourself and your passengers for injury following a hit and run accident.
If you or anyone in your vehicle is injured, immediately seek medical attention. Even if no injuries are apparent, it’s still wise to visit a doctor after a hit and run accident to ensure you have no injuries, such as whiplash or a traumatic brain injury, that don’t show symptoms right away. Seeking medical help after your hit and run accident can also provide proof to your insurance company that you were harmed during the collision and justifies the damages for medical expenses listed in your claim.
Record as many details as you can
While it may be difficult to do, as you’re probably a bit shaken up after your hit-and-run accident, you need to try to remember as many details as possible. If able, try to record these details at the scene of the accident or immediately after. Try to include:
- A description of the other vehicle, including its make, model, color, license, and (if possible) license plate number
- A description of the other driver
- The time and location of the hit and run accident
- The exact sequence of events that occurred during the hit and run accident
- Pictures of the accident scene, including your vehicle, damages, and injuries
- Names and contact info of any witnesses
Unfortunately, many hit and run accident victims don’t get an accurate description of the other driver or vehicle. But there may be witnesses nearby that saw the other driver or the direction in which the vehicle took. Many roads and intersections have traffic cameras that may have captured your hit and run accident and can help you catch the negligent driver. Make sure to make a note of any cameras within the area so that your attorneys and law enforcement can view the footage and possibly identify the motorist at fault.
Call Law Enforcement
As soon as possible, call the police to report that you were involved in a hit and run accident. The law enforcement officer will create a report that you can use as evidence in your hit-and-run claim. The police report will also show that you’re not at fault for the accident and may list the damages you’ve suffered. The police will also help to try and find the at-fault driver. Who may still be somewhere on the road, endangering others?
Report the accident to your insurer
Your insurance may be the only source you have available to get compensation if the at-fault driver cannot be found. This, unfortunately, means that your compensation depends on the insurance policy you already have. Usually, damages from a hit-and-run accident are covered. This is under the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage portion of your insurance policy. This coverage is offered specifically to protect you in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
Do I need a lawyer?
Many insurance companies try to reject UM claims or attempt to pay less than the policy’s limits. An experienced South Carolina personal injury attorney from The Clardy Law Firm can help you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve. Our lawyers will investigate the crash and help collect reports that can be used to prove that you were not at fault for the hit-and-run accident. Contact us today to learn more!
