Dazed and Confused: What To Do After a Hit & Run

By Melanie Fleury Last updated Jul 19, 2013 17

Dazed and Confused: What Should I do if I am Struck in a Hit and Run?

If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, you will need to take several steps to protect your legal rights. Unfortunately, it can be difficult in some states to receive the necessary medical attention unless you pay for it because you will not be able to utilize the driver’s insurance company as a resource. However, if you follow all of the proper procedures, you will be in a much better position to get all of your bills reimbursed if the police are able to identify the culprit.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

1. Contact the Police – It is important to contact the police after any accident, but it will become especially imperative after a hit and run. Make sure that you provide the police with any information that can help them track down the other driver because this can make a big difference for your medical and automobile damage expenses.

2. Go to a Doctor – Even if you do not feel injured right after the accident, it is still necessary for you to go to your doctor. After all, adrenaline can mask the symptoms of pain and other related issues, and this can prevent you from getting the medical assistance that you need in a timely manner. By going to a doctor, you can make sure that everything is alright, and you will also be able to collect evidence for a potential future trial if you are injured.

3. Hire a Lawyer – Working with an attorney who has experience with hit and run accidents is one of the best ways to get a satisfactory conclusion to a lawsuit. Additionally, a lawyer can help you work with the necessary insurance companies to get a fair settlement. According to one Dallas attorney, having an attorney will help make sure you receive what you are entitled to.

4. Talk to a Counselor – Some hit and run victims develop feelings of anxiety and fear as the result of their accident. Keep in mind that any traffic accident can be traumatic, and it is important to give yourself an outlet for your feelings. By talking to a professional, you can move past any issues that could keep you from feeling safe in the future while you are driving.

5. Look for Witnesses – it is likely that the majority of witnesses will leave while you are waiting for the police to arrive. Therefore, if you are physically capable of getting out of your vehicle, you should ask everyone else at the scene if they saw anything useful such as the other car’s license plate number.

6. Take Photos of the Accident Scene – Taking photos of the accident will make it easier to prove the angle that your vehicle was struck at, and this could become important during a trial or insurance dispute.

By following the previously listed tips, it will be easier for you to get a positive resolution to the accident. Sadly, some people will get away with a hit and run, but you can put yourself in the best possible position by contacting the police as soon as the accident happens.

Melanie Fleury has been in a car accident and knows how stressful it can be dealing with medical and financial problems. Finding an attorney to help you can be done online with sites like dallascaraccidentlawyers.net. Victims of car accidents deserve proper representation.