In the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, you should ensure that you and anyone else injured in the crash are safe. Make sure to seek medical attention if necessary. While you wait for the police to arrive, recording any information that could help find the driver who struck your car is essential. The time, location, eyewitness information, and clear scene pictures are helpful.
Get Help
Even if you are only slightly injured, it is essential to get medical attention. Many car accident injuries, such as head trauma, broken bones, back or neck injuries, and cuts, can be severe and long-lasting. While waiting for police to arrive, try to locate any eyewitnesses to the accident and ask them if they can provide any information that may help identify the driver responsible for hitting your car. To initiate a claim, you should also inform your insurance company.
A hit and run Dallas accident lawyer can review your insurance policy and help you pursue compensation for your damages. These may include property damage, lost and future earnings, medical costs, and other economic damages. A seasoned attorney can work to track down the at-fault driver and hold them accountable for your losses.
Call 911
You should call 911 immediately, even if the other driver flees the scene. A police officer can take a full accident report and provide the case number you need for your insurance claim. The dispatcher will ask you for the make and model of the vehicle if known, and other identifying details about any vehicles involved in the crash. They will also ask if anyone was injured.
It is essential to answer these questions calmly and clearly to help police find the other driver. Remember that some State law requires you to remain at the scene of a collision that damages vehicles or injures people. If you cannot stay, try to move the vehicles out of harm’s way so they do not block traffic.
Exchange Information
In a typical car accident, drivers involved in the crash typically exchange information such as driver’s licenses and insurance details. This information is used to file an insurance claim for property damage. In Texas, it is against the law to leave the scene of a car accident that causes death, injury, or property damage without providing contact and insurance information.
If someone is found guilty of this crime, they could face jail or prison time, steep fines, and a permanent mark on their record that affects their job and educational opportunities. While a criminal case can result in jail time, it does not necessarily impact the compensation you receive through a civil personal injury lawsuit.
Report the Accident
You have to stay at the accident scene until the police arrive, even if your injuries do not pose a severe threat to your life. Leaving the scene can have serious legal consequences. While you wait for police to show up, try to document as much information about the driver and their vehicle as possible.
It will help your car crash lawyer later on in pursuing compensation. Try to write down a description of the driver’s vehicle, color, and license plate number. If you see any witnesses, talk to them and ask for their contact information. They may have witnessed the accident and can provide valuable information to your attorney.
Contact an Attorney
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more. Contacting an experienced hit-and-run injury attorney as soon as possible is crucial to recover these damages.
When police officers arrive, please give them a detailed account of what happened. Remember the driver’s car’s brand, model, and color. Eyewitness accounts are often helpful in identifying the careless driver who caused your crash. The police can apprehend them with even a partial license plate number. Only speak to insurance representatives once you have consulted an attorney. These companies could use your words against you later in a claim.
