Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

A hit-and-run car accident occurs when the at-fault driver illegally flees the scene without stopping to offer assistance or exchange information. If you get injured in a hit-and-run in California, there are steps you need to take to protect your rights. Even without the other driver’s insurance policy to rely on for coverage, you may qualify for financial compensation.

Call the Police

Try to remain calm and call 911 to report the hit-and-run. These accidents should always be reported to the police so that law enforcement can investigate and search for the fleeing driver. A police report will also provide you with evidence to use during your insurance claim. The police will document as much as possible, including details that may lead to the identification of the at-fault driver.

Get Medical Care

Always visit a doctor after any type of car accident in California – even if the crash was minor and you don’t think you are injured. Many crash victims have delayed or hidden injuries, especially when adrenaline masks the victim’s pain. Going to a doctor can lead to a prompt diagnosis and the treatment you need. Ask for copies of your medical records and keep all hospital bills to submit with your insurance claim.

Write Everything Down

While the details of the hit-and-run accident are still fresh in your mind, write them down. Document everything you can about the accident, including the make, model and color of the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle and which direction it fled. Document any details about the driver, as well, such as gender or hair color. If you remember partial license plate numbers, write them down. Give all of the information you have to the police to aid in their investigation.

Gather Evidence

If you are not too badly injured to remain at the scene, stay long enough to gather evidence. This can include taking pictures of key details at the crash scene, such as skid marks on the road or pieces of the other driver’s vehicle. Look for eyewitnesses; if they saw anything, collect their contact information. Search for nearby traffic, business or home security cameras that may have footage of the crash. A hit-and-run accident attorney in Los Angeles can help support your claim with any evidence that is available.

Call Your Insurance Company

Once you have been to a doctor and understand the extent of your injuries, call your own car insurance company to report the crash. Ask if you have uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage, as well as collision insurance or MedPay coverage. These are types of first-party insurance coverage that can pay for your losses even if the hit-and-run driver is not identified.

Contact a Skilled Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

Consider consulting with a car accident attorney in Los Angeles for legal assistance after a hit-and-run crash. An attorney can communicate with your insurer to pursue financial compensation through your own car insurance policy. A lawyer can also explore other outlets for financial recovery, such as holding a third party accountable. This may be possible if a hazard such as a dangerous road or defective vehicle part contributed to your accident.An experienced car accident attorney can provide critical guidance in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident. You can trust your lawyer to walk you through all of the steps it takes to seek justice and fair financial compensation. Meanwhile, you will have the peace of mind to focus on healing from your injuries. To schedule a free hit-and-run car accident case review in Los Angeles, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP.