Being involved in any type of a car accident can be traumatizing. If you are in an accident involving a driver who leaves the scene, it could cause even more fear or anxiety. The good news is that there are several steps that you can take to make sure that whoever caused your accident is held accountable for his or her actions.
Call for Help
The first thing that you want to do is to call 911 and ask for a police officer to come to the scene. If you have been hurt, you can also ask that an ambulance be sent to your location. When the police officer arrives, be sure to give him or her as many details that you can remember about the accident.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
If it is safe to do so, feel free to collect evidence at the crash scene. This may involve taking pictures of your vehicle or of the crash scene in general. Taking pictures of the crash scene may be a good idea because it may show that the other driver failed to stop or slow down prior to the collision.
You should also check to see if anyone has footage of the collision. In some cases, this could be a witness who recorded the crash on a cell phone. In others, a nearby business may have recorded what happened on their security camera. Having video of the wreck may make it easier for police to find the vehicle that hit yours.
Make a Claim With Your Insurance Company
Typically, your car insurance company will handle a hit-and-run accident using your comprehensive insurance coverage. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, it may still be worth filing a claim with your insurance company anyway. An insurance provider may allow you to make a claim under a collision policy, which means that you would be covered for damages exceeding your deductible. It is important to note that you are allowed to take your car anywhere to be fixed regardless of cost to the insurance company.
Don’t Panic
There is a good chance that the person who hit you will be apprehended at some point. Even if there is no eyewitness or video evidence of the crash, police may still be able to narrow down the type of car involved. For example, paint scratches may reveal the color of the vehicle while the type of crash may provide clues to where the vehicle may have sustained damage. It is also possible that the driver will come turn him or herself in after having time to assess the situation.
Talk With an Attorney
If the driver who caused the crash is found, you may want to proceed with legal action. In a personal injury case, you may be entitled to a variety of damages such as medical bills incurred, lost wages and lost future earnings. It may also be possible to seek compensation to pay for damage done to your car or for other property that was destroyed in the crash.
Finally, you may be compensated for any emotional pain and suffering that you incur. Emotional suffering may include having nightmares or an inability to get into a car after the accident. Those who wish to take legal action may want to talk with at Plano car accident lawyer quickly as the state statute of limitations may apply.
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More Information on Car Accidents:
After a car accident, should you move or leave your vehicle?
7 Things to Keep in Your Car to Be Prepared for an Accident
Visible Damage to Your Vehicle is a Key Factor in Your Personal Injury Case
