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Hit-and-run Accident: What to Do as a Victim or Perpetrator

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Hit-and-run accidents can be confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming, especially if you don't know what to do. In this article, we'll walk you through action items after a hit-and-run accident, from a victim’s perspective as well from a perpetrator’s perspective. Before getting into the two detailed parts of the article, here’s an overview of a hit-and-run incident.

Contents

What is a hit-and-run case?
Scenario 1: What to do immediately after a hit-and-run accident if you are a victim
- Talk to a lawyer about the incident
- How to file an insurance claim following a hit-and-run collision
Scenario 2: What to do if you are the perpetrator in a hit-and-run incident
- What to do if you panicked and left the accident scene
Take action
Frequently asked questions

What is a hit-and-run case?

A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver collides with another car, a pedestrian, or property and then speeds away from the scene without exchanging insurance information with the affected party, providing aid to the injured, etc.

Here are a few common examples of hit-and-run accidents.

A pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, and the driver leaves the scene without checking on the victim or calling for help.
After hitting a parked vehicle, the offending driver leaves the scene without leaving a note or making contact with the owner of the damaged vehicle.
A driver collides with another car, resulting in damage to both cars. Without exchanging insurance information with the other driver or waiting for the police to show up, the driver then drives away from the accident.

Scenario 1: What to do immediately after a hit-and-run accident if you are a victim

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it's important to remain calm and take the following steps.

Check for injuries: Call 102 right away to get medical help if you or anyone else involved in the collision is hurt.Also, if possible, try to move your car safely out of the way of oncoming traffic to avoid any additional collisions.
Gather information: Get as much information as you can about the other driver and their car. The year, make, and model, the licence plate number, and a description of the driver, for instance, are all pieces of information you can collect. Try to get any witnesses' contact information as well if there were any at the accident site.
Call the police: It's crucial to call the police and report the collision even if the at-fault driver fled the scene. A police accident report will be helpful if you need to contact your insurance company or pursue financial compensation from the other driver.
Document the accident: You should document the accident site, damages to your car, and any other important information with photos. When you make an insurance claim or ask the other driver for compensation, such documentation will be useful.
Contact your insurance company: If the other driver sped away from the scene of the accident, you might still be able to make a claim with your own insurance provider to cover the damages as per your car insurance coverage. Your insurance provider may be able to assist you with the claims procedure and ensure that you receive just compensation.

Talk to a lawyer about the incident

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, discussing the accident with an attorney may be a good idea. An attorney can give you advice on the best course of action to take in order to obtain the compensation you are entitled to, as well as assist you in understanding your rights and options.

Following a hit-and-run accident, you may want to speak with a lawyer about the following.

There is no trace of the other driver: Even if the at-fault driver fled the scene and cannot be found, you may still be able to pursue compensation from your own insurance provider or through other legal means. An attorney can help you explore these options and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
It was the other driver's fault and they got caught: If it was obvious that the other driver caused the collision, you might be able to hold them legally accountable for the losses and injuries you suffered.An attorney can help you build a strong case and negotiate with the other driver or their insurance company to get the compensation you deserve.
You are unsure of your rights: If you are uncertain of your rights following a hit-and-run incident, a lawyer can explain your options and give you guidance on how to proceed.

How to file an insurance claim following a hit-and-run collision

If you have been in a hit-and-run collision, you may be able to make a claim with your own insurance provider to pay for the damages based on your car insurance policy. You need to take the following actions to accomplish that.

1. Compile all necessary documentation: Documentation of the collision, such as the police report, witness accounts, and any other pertinent data, must be given to your insurance company.

2. Make contact with your insurance provider: Call your insurance provider to report the incident and start the claims procedure. Your insurance provider will give you a claim number and designate a surveyor to investigate your case.

3. Provide the required documentation: As part of the claims process, your insurance company will ask you for specific documentation. This may consist of the police report, witness statements, a damage assessment for your car, and any receipts for repairs. Ensure that you deliver all these as soon as possible.

4. Review and compensation: Your insurer will review your case and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to after you have submitted all necessary documentation.

Scenario 2: What to do if you are the perpetrator in a hit-and-run incident

It’s never a good idea to hit and run; leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. It's critical to take the following steps as soon as you can if you unintentionally caused a hit-and-run accident, panicked, and fled the scene.

What to do if you panicked and left the accident scene

Contact the police: If you fled the scene of the collision, you need to call the police right away and report it. It's crucial to tell the police the truth and describe what took place.
Contact your insurance company: You should also get in touch with your insurance provider to report the accident. Even if you weren't at fault, your insurance policy may require you to report any accidents. In fact, failing to inform your insurer after an accident could result in the cancellation of your insurance policy.
Think about hiring a lawyer: If you are facing legal repercussions for fleeing the scene of the accident, it might be a good idea to have a lawyer represent you.An attorney can give you guidance on the best course of action as well as assist you in understanding your rights and options.

It's crucial to remember that leaving the scene of an accident can have significant legal and financial repercussions.

Take action

To sum up, hit-and-run accidents can be a challenging experience for those involved, whether as a victim or perpetrator.

As a victim, it is crucial to stay composed, obtain as much information as possible about the vehicle and driver, and immediately call for emergency assistance.

As the perpetrator, it is important to remember that leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence. Instead, stay at the scene, provide information to the other driver, call for help if anyone is injured, and wait for the authorities to arrive. Always keep in mind that the outcome of a hit-and-run accident can be greatly influenced by taking prompt, appropriate action.

Frequently asked questions

Some of the frequently asked questions about hit-and-run car accidents will be covered in this section.

Can I still receive compensation if the other driver fled the scene?

Even if the other driver fled the scene, you might still be able to obtain compensation from your own insurance provider or through other legal means. A lawyer can assist you in weighing your options and assisting you in the compensation process.

Is consulting a lawyer after a hit-and-run accident always a good idea?

After a hit-and-run incident, it may be a good idea to speak with a lawyer if the other driver cannot be located, if their negligence caused the collision, or if you are unsure of your legal options. An attorney can help you understand your options and advise you on the best way to proceed in order to get the compensation you deserve.

What are the repercussions of fleeing a hit-and-run accident scene?

Leaving the scene of a hit-and-run accident can have serious consequences, both legally and financially. Depending on the specifics of the accident, you might be subject to criminal prosecution, penalties, and licence suspension or revocation. You might also be held financially liable for any losses or injuries brought on by the mishap.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

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