Hit and Run Accidents

A hit and run accident can be a traumatic event and you may be left with many questions as to what to do next. Such circumstances are rather stressful and annoying, particularly when the driver who caused the accident leaves the scene. Knowing what to do can make a huge impact in the outcome of your case and in getting the help and compensation that you need.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

• Stay Calm and Safe: First of all, try to relax and do not panic, take a deep breath and try to remain as calm as possible. If it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road, turn on the hazard lights and stay in the car.
• Do Not Chase the Other Driver: It may be tempting to try to chase after the driver and catch him or her, but it is important to remain at the scene. It is not safe to try to follow the other vehicle and it may also make things worse for you when dealing with the police.
• Dial 911: It is recommended that you report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Share with them everything you know, the time, the place, the car, and any people who may have seen it. It is crucial to have a police report as it will be useful in the insurance claim and any legal proceedings that may follow.
• Document the Scene: If possible, try to capture images of the damage done to your vehicle, objects that are on the road, and the environment. Note down the description of the car that is fleeing the scene including the make, model, color and the license number of the car even if you only remember some numbers. If possible, get contact information from the witnesses.
• Seek Medical Attention: It is advisable to seek medical attention even if you do not have any apparent signs of injury. There are some injuries like whiplash or internal injuries that may not present symptoms right away. Medical records will also be useful in the event of filing insurance claims.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company and report the accident that has occurred as soon as possible. Please be truthful and give all the information that you have, including the police report number.

Filing an Insurance Claim

In hit-and-run cases, the claims process may not be the same as the at-fault driver is not known. Your own insurance policy will most probably be involved. Here’s how to proceed:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM), it will assist in paying for your medical bills and car damages. This coverage is meant to cover you when the driver responsible for the accident cannot be identified or when he or she is uninsured or underinsured.
• Collision Coverage: If you have collision insurance, it will cover the damages of your car regardless of who is the cause of the accident. However, you may have to pay a deductible, which could be reimbursed if the other driver is found and made to pay for the damages.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): If your policy includes PIP, it will pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, no matter who is at fault for the accident.
• Filing the Claim: When making a claim, it is recommended that you give as much information as possible to your insurer. The police report, photographs of the scene, witness statements, and medical records should be included. The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to go through the claims process.

Lawsuits and Claiming for the Damages

If the police are able to apprehend the hit-and-run driver, then you may be able to seek damages from the driver in question. This process can include filing a personal injury claim to compensate for losses like medical expenses, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

• Contact an Attorney: It is advisable to seek the services of a personal injury attorney in hit-and-run cases. A lawyer can assist you in the legal procedure, collect evidence, deal with insurance providers, and claim the damages on your behalf.

Why Full Coverage Insurance is a Good Idea

It is important to have full coverage insurance especially in the event of a hit and run accident. Full coverage usually encompasses both the comprehensive and collision insurance to ensure that you are well protected. If the other driver is unknown, collision coverage will assist in the payment of the costs of repairing your car. Also, full coverage may also encompass uninsured motorist coverage that helps in the payment of medical bills and property damage in the event that the driver who caused the accident is unknown. This can be very helpful during a time when one is already stressed up to the extent of losing sleep.

Preventing Future Hit-and-Run Incidents

While you can’t always prevent another driver’s actions, you can take steps to protect yourself and your vehicle:While you can’t always prevent another driver’s actions, you can take steps to protect yourself and your vehicle:

• Park in Well-Lit Areas: When parking, park in well lit areas near the entrance of the building or areas that are frequented by people. This can discourage the hit-and-run drivers from making an attempt.
• Use Dash Cams: A dashboard camera can record the accident scene and the vehicle that is driving away from the scene, thus helping the police to identify the offender.
• Stay Alert: While on the road, ensure that there is a safe distance between you and the other cars and also ensure that you are well aware of your environment. It is sometimes possible to avoid an accident or at least minimize the damage that can be caused by an accident.

What Genus Law Group Can Do For You

Hit-and-run accidents are legally and emotionally challenging incidents. At Genus Law Group, we have represented clients in hit-and-run cases in Albuquerque and the entire New Mexico. Our attorneys will assist you in the legal and insurance procedures, collect evidence, and claim the compensation that you are entitled to.

We know how stressful and confusing this can be for you and we are here to help you through the process. Regardless of whether the hit-and-run driver is apprehended or not, we will strive to get you the most compensation possible.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a family member has been a victim of a hit and run accident, do not go through this process by yourself. To schedule a free consultation, please call Genus Law Group at 505-317-4455. Let us deal with the legal issues so that you can concentrate on healing and rebuilding your life.