Although extremely dangerous and illegal, hit-and-run accidents occur more often than you may think. According to the AAA Foundation, since 2009 nearly 11 percent of all auto accidents reported in the U. S. involved a hit-and-run driver. Being in a vehicle accident is stressful enough, but to be involved in an accident and have the other driver flee the scene adds to that stress, and to the complexity of the situation. The personal injury attorneys at Dale E. Anstine are here with valuable information to consider if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, including why it is critical to have an experienced attorney on your side.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
Although we hope you never are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to be prepared. The personal injury attorneys at Dale E. Anstine recommend following these steps if one occurs:
- Check the health of you and your passengers. After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, the first important step is to make sure you and any passengers are OK.
- Call 911. Get police and/or an ambulance on the scene as soon as possible. The police will file a report of the accident on scene.
- Gather evidence. After a hit-and-run accident, it is important to write down as much information as possible. This should include the make, model, color and license plate number of the vehicle that fled the scene. If there were witnesses to the accident, be sure to gather first-hand account information from them as well to help build your case. Be sure to take photographs of your vehicle and the accident scene.
- See a doctor. The attorneys at Dale E. Anstine recommend seeing a doctor after being involved in a hit-and-run accident. This critical step helps ensure your health and safety and can provide important evidence to help support your case.
- Contact an attorney. Do not sign any documents or accept a settlement without consulting a personal injury attorney. Hit-and-run accidents are complex because you do not have the cooperation from the other driver. It is essential to seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney who knows what to look for and the steps to take to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Not to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Following a hit-and-run accident, it is important to NOT engage in the following behaviors to ensure your safety and to protect your rights.
- Do NOT chase the driver fleeing the scene. Do not try to follow the vehicle that is fleeing the scene. The driver could be dangerous and put your safety at risk.
- Do NOT sign any paperwork from an insurance company. Seek guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney before signing any paperwork. Professional attorneys will know what to look for when filing a claim with an insurance company and can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Having an Experienced Attorney on Your Side
At Dale E. Anstine Personal Injury Law Firm, your injury is our fight. If you or a loved one is involved in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in an injury, reach out today for your free consultation. Get a specialized attorney on your side who has a full understanding of the complexities of hit-and-run accidents in PA. Consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7 and there’s no fee unless we win for you.