Handling a Scary Situation
Car accidents are never fun, but being on the receiving end of a hit-and-run is much worse. To see the other driver flee the scene can send a spike of fear and uncertainty into your heart. If you are ever involved in such a situation, know that you can take steps to keep yourself and others safe.
Call 911
The very first thing you should do is call 911 and let the operator know what happened. If you’re able to note anything specific about the fleeing vehicle, such as license plate, make/model, and color, be sure to include that when notifying the police. Never follow the fleeing driver; doing so may cause you to miss important information that can help you later, such as witness accounts.
Determine Witnesses
One of the most helpful pieces of evidence you can have in court is witness testimony. If anyone around you saw the hit-and-run occur, stay with your vehicle and ask for their names and information. Their description of what happened can solidify your argument for what happened when the police arrive and ask for your testimony.
Take Pictures
You will definitely want to snap some pictures of your vehicle after the accident. These photographs will serve as further proof of the accident.
Remain Calm
One of the hardest things to do is to remain calm in the face of uncertainty. However, take a few deep breaths and think about the positives. While this situation will be challenging, you have survived the traumatic experience of a car accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You should also reach out to your insurance company to determine what your options are. While each insurance company may handle hit and run cases differently, you should look into how much compensation you are entitled to.
Speak With An Attorney
After you are able to process this frightening occurrence, you should speak with an experienced attorney about how to move forward. This attorney will help you navigate through the insurance process and can also help you move forward in court if the person who fled the scene is caught.
At Mitchell & West, LLC we have the team with the experience necessary to help you receive fair compensation in the event of a hit-and-run. Contact our team at (305) 783-3301 today.