Hit-and-Run Car Accidents are Very Common.
There are many reason why someone will leave the scene of the accident. Sometimes people just panic and leave the scene. Other times the other driver doesn’t have a valid license, auto insurance, is driving while intoxicated, or just doesn’t want to get in trouble for the accident.
When a driver leaves the scene of an accident, it looks as though they are at fault in causing the accident. It reflects some consciousness of guilt for the wreck. The theory is that someone who is truly innocent in causing an accident would not flee the scene. Not only does leaving the scene of an accident make it look like the driver is at fault, it is also a crime. Depending on the seriousness of the accident and injuries, a hit and run driver can be charged with a felony even if the accident wasn’t their fault.
If You’ve Been Involved in a Hit and Run Accident, Here are Some Things You Can Do.
Call 9-1-1 and ask for a police or ambulance assistance.
Call the police and report the accident. Police actually do a pretty good job finding the other driver. But sometimes, the other driver does get away.
If you are injured, also request an ambulance be sent to the scene.
- Get a description or license plate of the vehicle
- Get eye witnesses
- Go to the hospital if you are injured
Be Ready to Describe the Other Vehicle of Driver.
If you can describe the other vehicle and the driver, that information will be helpful for the police to track down the hit-and-run vehicle. Many times, in more serious collisions, the other vehicle doesn’t get far. Likewise, police are able to find the vehicle relatively close by.
Get Eye-Witness Information.
More often in a hit-and-run accident, people are willing to stop and help give a description of what they saw. Be sure to get the name and telephone number of any witnesses. They might be help you support your claim of a hit-and-run to the police or your insurance company.
Get Medical Attention if you are Injured.
If you are seriously injured and need to go to the emergency room, do not hesitate to call an ambulance. If you choose not to go to the hospital, you can still go see a doctor on your own if you continue to have pain from the accident. Getting medical attention promptly will help document your injuries.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
If you are the innocent victim of a hit and run, you should notify your insurance company right away. You uninsured motorist coverage is responsible for damages and injuries caused in these types of accidents.
Uninsured motorist will provide coverage for a hit and run accident if there was either:
- Actual physical contact between the vehicles; or
- If the identity of the other driver is known.
I have seen many cases where someone is forced off the road and the other vehicle just keeps driving since the vehicle never hit. In these situations, you better hope they find the other driver. If not, then your uninsured motorist coverage might not apply.
Consult with a Lawyer for Free.
Hit and run accidents can get complicated, which is why you need the help of an experienced car wreck attorney. Robert C. Slim Law Firm, PLLC, has been litigating motor vehicle accident cases throughout Dallas, Fort Worth and North Texas, since 1994.
Click here to get a free, no obligation, consultation. You can also submit your case for an evaluation and review.
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Eye Witnesses Should Cooperate.
This is a great article on hit and runs. A lot of people tend to just file a police report and don’t reach out to a local lawyer.