What Happens Hit And Run Accident?
What Happens Hit and Run Accidents?
You’re running errands and suddenly realize that the driver of your car left a dent in its side door. This is a devastating event, especially when there are no witnesses and no notes to confirm who was responsible for the damage.
(Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer? Contact us Today! Click here: bad truck accident attorney)
There are a few steps you should take to get through this difficult time, and if you have any questions about what to do next, contact our office. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the entire process and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Call the police – even if you don’t think you were injured and aren’t worried about property damage, it’s important to report the incident to the police. This will help them identify the driver of the other vehicle and will give them vital information for the investigation of your case.
Gather as much information as possible – write down license plate numbers, make and model of the vehicle, color, and direction of travel. This will help the police find the missing driver and will also be helpful in preparing your insurance claim for any damages you suffered.
Ask any witnesses to provide you with their full names and contact information. It’s likely an unharmed bystander will be able to remember details about the incident that you might miss.
Take pictures – this will be invaluable in helping the police locate the driver. The photos will also be useful in determining how severe the injuries were, and whether there was any vehicle damage.
File a hit-and-run claim with your insurer – filing a claim is not an obligation, but you may lose your opportunity to recover compensation from the at-fault driver if you don’t do so within a specific time frame. This is because, under New York’s PIP insurance law, you can recover compensation for some of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage if you file a claim with your insurance company.
Hire an attorney – hiring a hit-and-run lawyer will strengthen your insurance claim and can also increase the amount of compensation you can receive in a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. An attorney can conduct an independent investigation into the hit-and-run accident to determine who is at fault for the collision, which can help you get a fair and just settlement for your pain and suffering.
Talk to your insurance provider – it’s important to contact your insurer within 24 hours of the accident to discuss what immediate funds you may be eligible to receive. This will allow your insurance agent to determine what immediate funds are available based on your current coverage level.
Contact an attorney – hit-and-run cases can be complex, and you need an experienced accident lawyer to navigate them successfully. Our team will work to build a strong case for you and hold negligent parties responsible for your losses.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run, contact our firm right away to schedule a free consultation. We can answer any of your questions and help you understand your options for pursuing justice against those who caused the accident.