subject: What To Do After A Hit And Run Accident [print this page] Not all drivers observe traffic rules as well as you do and so you are always at risk of being involved in an accident caused by another motorist. Some drivers opt to flee from the accident scene immediately after the accident; this is what constitutes a hit and run accident. It is unlawful for someone to flee from an accident scene particularly if he/she is clearly at fault but some drivers do this anyway. If you are the victim, the actions you take can determine whether you will ever get restitution for the damages or injury you suffered.
You will need the services of a car wreck attorney to get restitution for the damage to your car. Naturally, the car wreck attorney will require very important details concerning the accident and which you will need to provide. The first thing you need to get is the registration number of the car that has hit yours and as many details as possible regarding that car and its driver. Now, the problem is that the offending driver did not want to cooperate with you for whatever reason and which is why he or she will opt to flee. So, as soon as you realize that the other car is not willing to stop, try and note as many details about it as possible.
By all means avoid getting into a car chase to try and pin down the other driver. A car chase can be detrimental to you for many reasons. Realize that the other motorist is unwilling to stop because of a reason. You never know, maybe it is a getaway car that is just from robbing a bank and the occupants are fleeing from the police. If you give chase, someone in that car could draw a gun and fire at you. Engaging in a car chase especially when you are upset can result in an even worse accident. You can even be arrested for breaking traffic rules as you attempt to catch up with the fleeing car.
So, what should you do instead? Make sure you call the police. It is very important to do so because police reports are vital if should you sue the offending driver. Note that the police might take a while to arrive so be patient and remain at the scene if it is safe to do so. Follow up by calling your attorney and your insurance agent and notify them of the accident.
Apart from the details you can recall about the other vehicle you will also need eye witnesses to corroborate your case. Your car wreck attorney will need additional evidence and so you need to ask people who saw what happened to kindly give you their names and contacts so that your car wreck attorney can contact them. Secondly, take pictures of the scene as it is using a camera or a mobile phone and make sure you also capture the damage to your car. Your car wreck attorney will need all these details to ensure that you are adequately compensated.
