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Though legal penalties for hit-and-run accidents are stiff, they still occur at an alarming rate. Recent data suggests that well over 700,000 hit and run accidents occur in the U.S. every year.
Many drivers make the unfortunate decision to leave the scene of an accident for a number of reasons such as a non-existent or suspended driver’s license, lack of insurance, intoxication, or because they are already in legal trouble.
You can never be ready for a hit-and-run accident to occur, but in the event that you are a victim, it is imperative that you know what steps to take. If you have recently been involved in a hit-and-run accident, contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers to discuss your case with a proven car accident lawyer today. Learn more below about what to do after a hit-and-run.
Quickly Observe Information
By nature, hit-and-run accidents tend to happen quickly and without warning. While it can be difficult to take mental notes immediately after a collision has occurred, it is important to do so.
Observing and noting information, such as the make and model of the car, license plate number, unique characteristics of the vehicle, the driver’s appearance, and what direction the driver fled, can help law enforcement to track perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Call The Police
The police can not only be an asset when tracking hit-and-run drivers, but they can also call for emergency medical help if necessary. Additionally, the details that you observe after the collision occurs can be helpful to officers as they complete their investigation.
Filing a police report can help to substantiate your claims of being involved in a hit-and-run accident when filing a claim with your insurance company.
Collect Evidence
The best time to collect evidence is immediately after the accident occurs. Evidence can be useful to your insurance provider as well as your car accident lawyer. Examples of pertinent evidence include:
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Pictures and videos of the scene, weather conditions, property damage, injuries sustained, etc.
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Speaking with and obtaining contact information of eyewitnesses
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Recording badge numbers and names of responding officers
Seek Medical Attention
If you have suffered immediately apparent and serious injuries, it is recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you do not believe that you have suffered injuries, it is still in your best interest to seek the opinion of a medical professional as the effects of some injuries can take time to surface.
Attempting to file a claim for injuries sustained as a result of a hit-and-run accident can be an uphill battle if you do not have documentation proving that you sought medical treatment.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it is recommended that you seek the help of an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help to file a claim with your insurance provider and pursue a personal injury case.
Give the car accident lawyers at Steinberg Injury Lawyers a call at 1-800-350-8888 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
