Do You Know What to Do Following a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Insurance adjuster noting a car's damages after a hit-and-run accident
Do You Know What to Do Following a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Insurance adjuster noting a car's damages after a hit-and-run accident

The moments following a motor vehicle accident can be confusing for those involved. This is particularly true when the accident is a hit and run. Just what do you do following such an incident? In this post we will provide some tips on what to do if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

The first thing is obviously to make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay. This will entail pulling over in a safe location. At this point you can also check to see what property damage occurred in the incident.

Second, you should call the police. When they arrive you can file an official accident report. An official accident report could come in handy while working with your insurance company to get reimbursed for the damages incurred in the incident.

While you are waiting for law enforcement to arrive collecting information regarding the incident is a good idea. Details that could be useful in a hit-and-run claim include the location and time of the incident, a through description of the other vehicle involved in the collision. In addition, information from eyewitnesses and the order in which the accident unfolded are important.

Of course it is also important to contact your insurance company. Your insurance agent can help to facilitate the process of filing an insurance claim.

Should the driver of the vehicle that left following the collision be located it is possible that individual could face criminal charges. In addition, if you are injured in the crash it is possible that you could file a lawsuit against that driver as well.

Source: esurance, hit-and-run claims, Accessed Jan. 29, 2015