How Do I Respond To A Hit-And-Run?

The first step is to report the accident to the police.

Once you have done that, you should immediately call your insurance company to make an insurance claim. You should also call a lawyer to discuss your case. This will help you better understand your options and get the legal help you need. 

The next step is to document the accident scene, as well as any injuries or property damage. This will ensure you don’t forget any important details and that the police can get the information they need in order to locate the driver. 

Generally speaking, a hit-and-run is an accident that involves the other driver leaving the scene of the collision without giving their name or any contact information. It can be a criminal offense and can lead to very serious penalties, including incarceration. 

If you are a bystander, your first instinct may be to go after the fleeing driver. However, this is a mistake. If you pursue the fleeing vehicle, you risk putting yourself in danger and compromising your chances of getting eyewitness accounts and other information. In addition, you could be put into a dangerous standoff with the fleeing driver. 

In New York, bystanders can often get their hands on license plate numbers for cars that fled the scene of a crash. This information can be used to identify the other driver and their insurance company. 

It’s also a good idea to try and talk to witnesses as soon as possible after the incident. They might have photos or video footage of the accident on their smartphones that can provide valuable evidence to help police find the missing driver. 

You should also ask anyone in the area if they saw any vehicles involved in the collision and if they have any information about them, such as their make, model and license plate number. If there are businesses in the vicinity, they might have surveillance cameras that can be useful as well. 

The law in NY requires bystanders to report any accidents to the police within a reasonable amount of time. This includes any hit-and-runs that occur on public roads or sidewalks. 

Once the police arrive at the accident scene, they will prioritize checking on anyone who was injured and ensuring everyone is safe. They will then collect witness statements, search nearby businesses for available surveillance videos and patrol the surrounding area for evidence that might help them locate the suspect. 

In some cases, the police might also use motor vehicle records to help them locate a last known address for the suspect. Even if the police are unable to locate the suspect, they can still compile a case. 

Having an experienced hit-and-run attorney on your side can help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that the person who caused your injuries is going to be held accountable.