What should I do after a hit and run accident?

Individuals involved in a hit and run accidents often make the mistake of trying to chase after the other driver. This behavior, however, can significantly impact your ability to obtain compensation from either their or the other driver’s insurance company.

Call the Police

After being hit, the first step you should do is call the police. Stay in the location of the accident, pulling to the side of the road for your safety and wait for the police to arrive. If possible, write down the facts about the accident, other car and the date and time it occurred so you remember this information when the police arrive. Calling the police to the scene of the accident usually results in the officer filing an official report of the accident. Obtain a copy of this report.

Contact Your Insurance Company

After creating a police report, you should next contact your insurance company. Inform them that you were involved in a hit and run accident and that the police created a report of the accident. Most likely, the company will request you to provide them with a copy of this report.

Once the insurance company reviews the police report and determines that you were, in fact, involved in a hit and run accident, it will most likely begin to repair your vehicle and cover any medical expenses for treatment of your injuries, if any.

Wait and Call

After a week or two, contact the police department to see if any progress on identifying the other driver has been made. If so, make this information known to your insurance company. If not, request that the police contact you should any new information arise.

If you were involved in a hit and run accident and want to know if you can obtain compensation from the other driver, seek legal advice. An attorney will review the facts of the accident with you and discuss the options you have for your damages.