In the United States, more than 10 million motor vehicle accidents happened in 2009 in the U.S., according to the United States Census Bureau. Some of these accidents involved a hit-and-run. A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver hits a pedestrian, hits a driver in another car or damages someone’s property, and then drives away from the scene of the accident. People drive away for different reasons, including not having insurance, having a high blood-alcohol-level or lacking a driver’s license.
After a hit-and-run accident, the victim needs to take steps to help catch the perpetrator and have record of the accident for insurance and legal purposes.
Immediately following hit-and-run accidents, individuals who have been harmed, sustained vehicle damage or property damage need to be as rational as possible. They should not engage in emotional actions such as trying to chase down the drivers responsible for their accidents.
Victims need to write down details of the accident as soon as possible, especially if they were able to see part or all of the perpetrators’ license plates. The victim should also write down the color or make of the vehicle.
Victims should call the police right after accidents so that the incidents are on official record as soon as possible. They want to have proof of accidents when they make insurance claims or bring legal cases against the other drivers.
After police officers write out their reports, hit-and-run victims need to get copies of the reports and take pictures of the damages to their vehicles, or property. If they have been harmed, they should seek medical attention immediately and make sure to keep thorough records of any medical bills.
Soon after hit-and-run accidents, the people who were hit should file insurance claims if their vehicles have sustained damage. If victims are able to get information about the driver who hit them, they should try to file insurance claims with their companies.
If the perpetrators were not insured, the victims need to file claims with their insurance companies, as they may have coverage for accidents caused by uninsured drivers.
In cases where police are able to identify the people responsible for hit-and-run accidents, victims can bring them to court for vehicle damage or for personal injuries sustained. Victims’ need experienced hit-and-run attorneys because they can help drivers or pedestrians to build stronger cases based upon police reports and witness testimonies. Lawyers who have dealt with cases involving hit-and-run accidents understand how to work with victims and argue strong cases to get the harmed individuals the compensation they deserve.
LMW Attorneys of New Port Richey, FL, have attorneys who know how to help if you have been involved in a hit-and-run.