Few things are as stressful as getting involved in an auto accident, especially if it results in you getting hurt. If the other driver flees the scene of the collision, this can complicate matters immensely. Now you are not only injured, but also have little idea about the other driver. Unlike in most accidents where drivers remain at the scene and exchange important information like driver’s licenses and insurance cards, you are now left without this vital information where you were involved in a hit and run. In the following, we will look at what you should do and how your Hit and Run Accident Attorney can help you get compensated for the personal injuries you suffered.
Do not chase after the other driver
You may be enraged by the fact that you and your vehicle have been damaged. The natural inclination may be to chase after the other driver so you can hold the driver accountable. However, you don’t know the full extent of the situation. While some hit and run drivers may not be aware they were involved in a collision, there are many more who are either intoxicated or are fleeing the scene of a crime. In addition, if you chase after the other driver, then you may also be guilty of leaving the site of the accident. This is a crime in Pennsylvania and, based on the severity of the accident, can result in fines and incarceration.
Contact the police immediately
The first thing you should do is call the police to report the accident. This is critical for a number of reasons. First, if you have sustained a personal injury, you may not be aware of the extent of the harm you received. The police officer will be able to assess your condition and, if necessary, call an EMT to treat you and any of your passengers for injuries you may have sustained.
Second, you will need a police report in order to file a claim for your injuries. Each call to the police is recorded and time stamped. This will provide proof that you were injured in the accident. It will also give you the opportunity to let the police know any information you may have on the other vehicle. This includes a description of the vehicle such as type, make and color, and the license plate if you were able to record it in the aftermath of the collision. There is a chance that the police will be able to use this to track down the other driver.
Third, if you have a dash cam, you can provide this footage to the police. This can also help them with their investigation. In any event, getting a police report on the accident is vital if you are looking to collect on your claim.
Find out if there were any witnesses
If your hit and run accident occurred on a busy street, there is a chance that bystanders and pedestrians witnessed the collision. These witnesses can help bolster your claim. Take down their names and contact information, which you can provide to the police and your insurance company.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
In Pennsylvania, most insurers require motorists to file accident claims within 30 days of their occurrence. However, when you are involved in a hit and run, it is crucial to get the claim in as soon as possible. This is because you have the added task of proving that the collision occurred, since the other driver fled the scene. So, time is of the essence.
Fortunately, many auto insurance policies will cover hit and run accidents. If you have no-fault coverage, then this will cover your damages and injuries. However, if you opted for a fault-based insurance coverage, then you will need to have a number of other optional coverages to get compensated from your insurance company. This includes uninsured motorist coverage, MedPay coverage and PIP, which stands for personal injury protection. If the police are successful in locating the hit and run driver, then you can file a personal injury case against him or her, as well as a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
If you are injured in a hit and run accident, contact us today
As you can see, hit and run accidents add an extra layer of complexity to an already difficult situation. This is why you need the experienced assistance of The Cassidy Law Firm. Our accident attorneys will work with you to get the compensation you deserve for your personal injuries.