What to Do If You Are Injured in a Hit-And-Run Accident

Those who have been involved in a hit-and-run accident can attest that it is a frightening and confusing thing to go through. A car accident can happen in a split second, and sometimes the driver who caused the accident is able to speed away before the person who was hit even knows what happened. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may be unsure as to how to go about collecting compensation for your injuries and other damages. Read on to find out what steps you should take if you are even involved in a hit-and-run car accident.

Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver intentionally leaves the scene of the accident without providing their contact information to police or the other driver. Common examples of hit-and-run accidents include when a car hits another car in the road and then drives away and when a driver hits an untended parked car and does not leave their contact information for the owner of the damaged car to find later.

After a hit-and-run accident, it is important to remain as calm as possible. It is completely understandable that someone who has just been in a car accident experiences feelings of panic, confusion, or aggression, but it is best to try to stay composed. Do not attempt to chase the other car. If possible, drivers should try to get the model, make, year, and color of the other vehicle that was involved in the accident. Although it can sometimes be nearly impossible to obtain, a license plate number or even partial license plate number can be invaluable to police and insurance companies during a hit-and-run investigation. The more information which is gathered about the other vehicle, the more likely the police will catch the person who fled the scene.

Next, drivers involved in a hit-and-run should look for witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information. Witnesses may be able to provide valuable insight into the investigation. Drivers should also write down the time and location of the accident and take pictures of the damage to their vehicle and the surrounding area. If you are involved in a hit-and-run, you should file a police report as soon as possible as well. A police report can speed up the auto claims process even if it does not lead to finding the other driver.

Even if you do not feel injured, you should get checked out at a hospital or doctor’s office after a hit-and-run accident. Sometimes, adrenaline masks the feeling of pain and can lead to victims of a hit-and-run assuming they are uninjured when they actually are. If you wish to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages through a personal injury suit, you will need to have adequate records of your injuries and required treatment.

If you have been hurt in a hit-and-run accident, a San Jose, CA personal injury attorney can help. The experienced attorneys at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. know how to hold accountable parties responsible for their negligence and get our clients the compensation they deserve. Call us today at (408) 289-1417 to schedule your free initial consultation.

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