What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

The law requires everyone involved in a car accident to remain at the scene and determine if anyone needs medical attention. However, at-fault drivers could not adhere to this for several reasons. They might have a warrant for their arrest, or they’re driving uninsured and are unable to cover the victim’s damages. Whatever the case, knowing what to do after a hit-and-run accident could help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and car repairs. 

Remain at the Scene Until Help Arrives

Following a hit-and-run incident, you may want to chase down the fleeing vehicle, but it's strongly advised against for various reasons. For example, New Mexico the law mandates that drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death promptly halt their vehicle, provide necessary information including name, address, vehicle registration, and driver's license, and offer aid to any injured parties.

Leaving the scene can lead to legal repercussions and jeopardize your compensation claim. Additionally, tailing the at-fault driver poses potential risks, as their intentions and your own injuries are unknown. It's safest to remain where you are and promptly contact 911 to report the accident.

Note the Physical Description of the Other Driver’s Car

Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and can come range in severity. If you can, try to jot down any details you remember right after the accident. Here are some things to note:

• What kind of car was it?
• What color was it?
• Do you remember the license plate number?
• Where did the accident happen?
• Can you describe the driver?

Even if it feels like a blur, every little detail counts and might help track down the driver. Additionally, snap some photos and videos of the scene and any damage to your car. Look for any potential witnesses and grab their contact info too. Their story might fill in some blanks about what happened.

Report Your Accident to the Police

If you haven’t done so, contact the police to report the accident. Once the police arrive, they will begin investigating the accident and creating their report, which includes any information you can recall regarding the hit-and-run driver. 

The police report will also include the date of the accident, the names of everyone involved, how the accident happened, and where it took place. The report could aid in the insurance claim process to ensure you get the necessary compensation. 

Get Medical Attention Immediately

You might not feel the full effects of your accident until hours after the collision or even the next day. For this reason, you should always get checked out by a doctor to avoid worsening your injuries. Furthermore, going to the hospital ensures that you receive an official medical evaluation, which could prove that your crash resulted in significant injuries.  

How to get Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After a hit-and-run crash, you have a couple of options when it comes to seeking compensation. If the police manage to identify the driver responsible for hitting you, your first option might involve filing a claim against them. However, this scenario doesn't always pan out. In cases where the at-fault driver remains unidentified, you may need to turn to your own insurance provider.

Here are some types of auto insurance that could assist in covering damages from a hit-and-run accident:

• Collision Coverage: This coverage helps cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, regardless of fault.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: In hit-and-run situations, this insurance operates as if you were in an accident with an uninsured driver. It can cover expenses related to medical treatment and car repairs.

Let the Law Giant Fight for Your Compensation

You have options when involved in a hit-and-run accident, even if police cannot identify the driver who hit you. Let The Law Giant Injury Lawyers help you fight for the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.