- Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is illegal and can have serious consequences.
- It is important to notify the police, get legal help, seek medical attention, and document everything related to the incident.
- Taking these steps can help victims increase their chances of getting the resolution they deserve.
- Victims should ensure their rights are protected, so justice is served.
Being in an accident is stressful enough, but being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be even more harrowing. The driver who caused the accident left the scene without providing any information or assistance to the victim, leaving them in a vulnerable and confusing situation.
It’s important to know what actions to take if you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run accident. This blog post will provide some helpful tips on what steps to take after being involved in one.
What Is Considered a Hit and Run?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in an accident with another vehicle, pedestrian, or property—such as a fence or parked car—but then leaves without providing their contact information or waiting for law enforcement to arrive. In other words, any time there is an accident involving another person, vehicle, or object that the driver fails to report or stays at the scene of the accident until the police arrive is considered a hit-and-run.
It doesn’t matter who was at fault in the incident; leaving without exchanging contact information or waiting for authorities makes it a hit-and-run. This type of behavior isn’t only dangerous but is illegal in all 50 states.
Consequences of Hit and Run Accidents
Being involved in a hit-and-run can have serious consequences. The severity of these consequences will depend on whether the accident was minor (e.g., only property damage) or more serious (e.g., injury). A minor hit-and-run may result in fines, community service hours, license suspension/revocation, probation periods, and imprisonment for up to one year, depending on state laws—or even both!
On the other hand, if someone is injured as part of this incident, penalties could range from fines to jail time, depending on how severe the injuries were. Additionally, any damages caused by being involved in this type of incident are typically not covered by insurance policies since they involve criminal acts considered intentional misconduct.
What You Need to Do
When you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to take the following steps:
Notify the Police
The first thing that you should do after being involved in a hit-and-run accident is to contact the police. They will be able to help you document the incident and collect any evidence that might be available. This includes taking witness statements and collecting photos of the accident scene. Ensure you provide as much information as possible, so they can work on finding the driver who caused the accident.
Get Legal Help
Getting legal help is a must. This is particularly important if the victim sustained injuries that can significantly impact their quality of life. An injury law firm can help you navigate the situation and advise filing a personal injury lawsuit, seeking punitive damages for pain and suffering, or recovering lost wages due to the injury.
Get Medical Attention
It’s also essential to get medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think there are any serious injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so it’s best to get checked out by a doctor. Additionally, getting medical attention can help establish proof of your injuries in case you need it for filing an insurance claim or legal action against the driver who caused the accident.
Document Everything
Make sure you document everything related to your hit-and-run incident, including all expenses incurred, such as medical bills, car repair costs, and any other damages from the accident. If possible, keep copies of all documents, including police reports, medical reports, and any other paperwork related to your case, as it could come in handy later when filing an insurance claim or seeking legal action against the driver who caused your hit-and-run incident.
Final Thoughts
No one should have to deal with a hit-and-run accident alone, and it’s important for victims to know what steps they need to take after such an incident occurs. Don’t let the driver responsible get away with their actions—take the necessary steps to seek justice and ensure you are properly compensated for your losses.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the resolution that you deserve. Whether through an insurance claim or legal action, ensure your rights are protected so that justice is served.
