On our roads, few things are as serious as the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident; where a driver decides to flee the scene without stopping. If this has happened to you, you might be faced with the very real prospect of not being able to handle your injury treatment on your own and wondering how you will locate the other party and protect your rights. This is something that many drivers face every year after they have been involved in one of these accidents.
Today we want to focus on some of the first steps that you should take when it comes to your hit-and-run accident if you intend to protect your rights and move forward with a claim. We understand that compensation is your end goal and being able to move forward is one of the most important things that you will face, which is why we would like to offer our support.
Protecting Yourself in the Midst of a Hit-and-Run
Observation: By observing what you can, you are protecting your rights from the very moment your accident takes place. One thing that is especially tricky about hit-and-run accidents is the fact that the driver flees the scene sometimes so early that you barely have time to process what is happening. This means that, in the aftermath of an accident, you might not remember the important details, such as the make and model of the suspect’s vehicle or what the driver looks like. This is why it is important to collect as much information as possible.
Perhaps you can snap a picture of the tire tracks or the paint that was left on the side of your vehicle. Maybe you can speak with witnesses who might have seen more than you. All of these steps will allow you to piece together important pieces of evidence that will lead to success in your case.
Pay Attention to Overall Safety: In many cases, you might be left in a dangerous position if you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident. Maybe the driver struck you in an intersection or around a curve in the road, which could contribute to another accident if you do not get to safety. This is why, if you are able to, you should always move your vehicle out of harm’s way. However, you want to ensure that evidence stays a top priority and that you collect as much as possible before you remove your vehicle from the area.
The Police Report: It is imperative to always contact the police after an accident, but one of the main reasons why this is a vital step is due to the police report. If an officer is issued to the scene of your hit-and-run accident, they will take down as much information as possible. In the meantime, they will work to find the driver responsible.
Helping You Move Forward
Our personal injury attorneys at Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet, & Buckner have played an important role in many client’s cases in the past. We are willing to stand by your side no matter how tough aspects get in your case, using our personal injury resources to help you during one of the most difficult times in your life. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (304) 713-2014 to find out what we can do for you at this time.
