How to Handle a Hit and Run Collision
Hi, I’m Ed Smith a Cameron Park Auto Accident Attorney. Being the victim of a hit and run accident can be scary and confusing. You may be worried about getting paid for the damages to your car and any injuries you sustain. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this type of situation to help things run as smoothly as possible. Here are some ways how to handle a hit and run collision.
Hit and Run Accident- What is it?
A hit and run collision is a crash in which one or both drivers deliberately leave the accident without exchanging contact or insurance information.
Examples of hit and run accidents include:
- Your parked car is hit and damaged in a parking lot. The driver who hit your car does not leave a contact phone number or any insurance information;
- You are stopped at a red light when a car rear ends you then drives away without exchanging information.
What to do Next
- Even though it may be difficult, try your best to be calm during this situation so that you may collect as much information as possible.
- Collecting as much information as possible will help police find the other driver involved in the hit and run collision.
- This information will also be used by your insurance company in the decision-making for your claim.
How to do This
You first should gather facts about the other vehicle in the collision, including:
- Make and Model of the vehicle.
- The Vehicle’s License plate number and which state it is from.
- Name and Contact information for any nearby witnesses who have a clear recollection of the accident.
Do not leave the scene of the accident before taking the following steps:
- Jot down the time and place of the collision.
- Take photos of the scene of the collision.
- Take photos of the damage to your car, including any paint transfer from the hit and run vehicle that may be on your car.
- Photos of the paint transfer with help discredit any fraud accusations from your insurance company*.
*Note on fraud: Drivers who hit an object and file a hit and run claim with their insurance companies are committing fraud, so you want to be able to disprove that you are filing a fraudulent claim.
A Hit and Run Happened While I Was Away From My Vehicle – What now?
If a hit and run occurred while you weren’t in your car, be sure to take down the time and place of the accident as soon as you know, and the damage to your car.
What Not To Do
When you are a victim of a hit and run accident, it may be your first instinct to follow the person who hit you. It is ill advised to chase after the other driver, as you may have to speed or weave through traffic to keep up with the party who is driving away. You may even cause a subsequent accident while trying to keep up with the person who hit you in the first place. It can also be unsafe to follow someone who hit you, as you may become a victim of road rage, with further damage to you and your vehicle. It is in your best interest to call the police to file a traffic collision report right away. Be sure to include the names and contact information of any witnesses plus the information your gathered about the other vehicle involved in the hit and run accident. The police may not be able to track down the person who hit you, but having a traffic collision report filed is important to the insurance claims process. Having a traffic collision report filed can also help your attorney, if you decide to take further legal action.
How to File your Hit and Run Claim
In the case that you are able to find the person who hit your vehicle, your car insurance carrier will be able to search their database to find out if the person who hit your car has auto insurance. Once you have their insurance information, you may open a claim with their insurance company.
Even If You Don’t Find the Hit and Run Driver You May Still Be Covered
Uninsured Motorist (UM Coverage). This type of insurance coverage is optional. It is offered through your automobile insurance company. If you are a victim of a hit and run driver or in an accident with someone who is uninsured, then damages can be paid out under your own uninsured motorist portion of your policy. For more information contact an experienced auto accident attorney.
Cameron Park Auto Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Cameron Park Auto Accident Attorney. If you or a member of your family has been seriously injured in an accident, give me a call at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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Founder of: autoaccident.com.
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Source of How to Handle a Hit and Run Collision: http://www.dmv.org/tips-for-handling-a-hit-and-run-driver-claim.php
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