Nearly 4 million people in the United States were involved in hit-and-runs from 2015 to 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. During the same period, two percent of all licensed drivers in the country found themselves involved in such collisions. This trend not only emphasizes the alarming prevalence of hit-and-run accidents on US roads today but also highlights the challenges victims face in seeking justice and compensation.
A hit-and-run could increase your insurance rates, regardless of whether you are the at-fault driver. What can victims do so they are not left bearing the financial burden of someone else’s actions?
Call the police immediately
Report the incident to law enforcement as soon as possible. This report serves as a vital piece of evidence when seeking compensation from your insurance company or through legal action. Provide as much information as you can about the runaway car, such as the make, model and color of the vehicle, any part of the license plate you might have caught and the direction in which they fled.
Seek medical attention
In the aftermath of any motor vehicle accident, your health is paramount. Even if it is not apparent at first, some injuries, especially those related to trauma, may not manifest until later. This is why seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial. Aside from ensuring that you are out of harm’s way, having yourself checked by a medical professional creates a medical record that can be crucial in documenting the extent of your injuries.
Consult with a lawyer
If the driver at fault remains unidentified following a hit-and-run, your own auto insurance policy might be your only recourse for compensation. Familiarizing yourself with your policy and consulting with a legal professional specializing in personal injury can help you understand the extent of your coverage and your options for compensation.
Recovering from a car accident, especially if it is a hit-and-run, involves an array of complex challenges. Knowing how to react after such an accident can help you streamline the process of receiving compensation and achieving a sense of justice.
