A hit-and-run accident could be shocking. You are on the highway, and then some drunk driver crashes into you and drives away.
You might be afraid, confused, and uncertain about what you should do next. But relax. You can recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Be Calm and Call for Help
Safety should be your main priority following a hit-and-run incident. If you’re hurt, do not move much and seek help. If you can, see if anybody else is hurt and help if you can. It helps if you report the accident right away so that the police can search for the driver. A police report will also be useful if you seek compensation.
Hire a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Compensation following a hit-and-run accident could be hard to recover when the liable driver is unknown. This is the reason you should hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer. They can collect evidence, speak to insurance companies, and also ensure you get paid for your medical expenses and lost earnings, along with other damages.
Collect Evidence on the Scene
In case you’re not seriously hurt, try to collect as much evidence as possible at the accident site. Photograph your car, the damage, etc. Ask witnesses for their contact information. At times, security cameras in nearby buildings or streetlights record the accident. This could be valuable in determining the identity of the driver who fled the scene.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Whether or not the driver is located, you could collect compensation through your own insurance. Contact your insurer immediately and explain the accident and the related things properly. Your lawyer can also work with the insurer to get you the best settlement possible. For those who have insurance for uninsured motorists, it might cover your medical expenses and vehicle repairs.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if you really feel okay following the accident, see a physician. Some injuries (such as internal bleeding or whiplash) do not show symptoms immediately. Obtaining medical treatment ensures your well-being and also creates health records to support your claim. In the event you postpone obtaining medical care, insurers might attempt to refuse you money.
Follow Up on the Police Investigation
Police will seek the hit-and-run driver by reviewing surveillance videos and witnesses and searching for the vehicle. Consult with the investigating officer for updates. In case the driver happens to be caught, you could sue him for monetary losses.
Track All Expenses
Recovering compensation requires proof of the financial impact the accident caused you. Keep records of your medical costs, automobile repair expenses, lost earnings, and other accident-related expenditures borne by you.
Final Thoughts
A hit-and-run accident may be overwhelming, but you do not need to endure it all by yourself. Collect evidence and seek legal assistance. All this will help you protect your rights.
Hiring a hit-and-run accident lawyer will make the procedure less complicated and improve your odds of receiving fair compensation. So, concentrate on your recovery and let the professionals deal with the legal stuff.
