In a road accident, if a vehicle hits someone and doesn’t stop to help the injured person, it is called a hit-and-run. In such a situation, nearby people, witnesses, or even the victim themselves can play an important role. First of all, remember that it is mandatory to stop the vehicle immediately after the accident, help the injured, and inform the police.
How to Handle a Hit-and-Run Car Accident
In this article, we will discuss the steps to take immediately after a hit-and-run car accident so that you can stay safe and protect your interests.
Check your safety
Immediately after the accident, check your injuries and those of the passengers. Sometimes injuries can remain unhealed due to the shock after being hit by an accident, so a complete check from head to toe is necessary. Park the vehicle at a safe place on the side of the road and turn on the hazard lights in case of danger so that vehicles ahead can avoid you. If you are seriously injured, call emergency services immediately; first aid should be provided to the injured person immediately.
Inform the police and emergency services
After ensuring safety, the next step is to report the incident to the local police. Dial the emergency number as soon as possible and report the accident. If someone is seriously injured, it is also important to call a hospital or an ambulance. The accident should be reported to the police immediately so that the incident can be registered. The police will come and record the details of the scene. It is mandatory to report the accident. If the police are unable to reach the spot, go to the nearest police station and register the incident.
Document the accident scene
In the time it takes for the police to arrive, inspect the scene thoroughly. Take pictures of the damaged condition of the vehicle, the condition of the road, fallen debris, etc., with your phone. Note the surrounding landmarks (such as shops, buildings, or stop signals) so that the accident location is clear. Note the color, model, number plate, etc. of the vehicle in front. If there are any distinctive stickers or dents on the vehicle, note them down as well. All this evidence should be collected so that it can be used later.
Collect witness information
If there are any witnesses present at the accident scene, politely ask them what they saw. Also, get their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Witnesses can support your claim, even if they have seen only a few small details. Don’t forget to check CCTV cameras installed in nearby shops or houses; these may record the accident. The information collected from witnesses should be included in the police report, as it helps the police or the insurance company to present a correct picture of the accident.
File a police report
File an incident report (FIR) by informing the local police. Give all the details you have gathered (vehicle details, names of witnesses, photographs, etc.) to the police. This report is not only a legal document but will also strengthen your claim. Once the report is filed, keep a copy of it and show it to your insurance company if needed.
Inform the insurance company
As soon as possible after reporting the accident, call your car insurance company and give them accurate information. Clearly state that it was a hit-and-run accident and what evidence you gathered (photos, police report, etc.). Be sure not to get emotional; only state facts that you know for sure. The claim should be reported to the insurance company immediately so that the claim process can begin. If your insurance has uninsured motorist coverage, that can also help.
Get medically examined
If you are injured or even in a panic, get yourself examined by a doctor without delay. Sometimes, there are no external signs at the time of the accident, but pain or other symptoms appear in the body later. So get an X-ray or other necessary tests done and get treatment as advised by the doctor. The injured person should be medically examined even if there are no signs of injury immediately. Keep the hospital bills, receipts, and doctor’s reports; these documents will prove helpful in your subsequent insurance claim and legal process.
Seek legal help
If the incident becomes complicated, such as the driver is not caught or the injuries are severe, you can seek professional legal advice. A car accident lawyer should be consulted so that you understand your rights. The lawyer can look over the documents you have gathered and ensure that no important information is missed. With the help of a lawyer, you will be able to present your claim in a better way to the insurance company or the court, and the chances of getting the right compensation will increase. Hit-and-run incidents can happen to anyone, so drive with these steps in mind. Staying calm after the accident makes it easier to resolve the problem. Keep the necessary documents (police reports, photographs, bills, etc.) safe, and seek help from experienced people or lawyers if needed. With caution and the right information, you can deal with the unexpected situation and ensure compensation for your losses.
