What to do in a hit and run

Getting involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but being a victim of a hit and run accident can be even more overwhelming. A hit and run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene without providing their contact information or assisting anyone who suffered injuries. Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are common and can happen to anyone at any time. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to do in a hit and run car accident, including how to report it to the police.

What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident 

If you’re involved in a hit and run accident, the first thing you should do is to stay at the scene and try to collect as much information as possible. Take note of the license plate number, the make and model of the car, and any other identifying features. If you have a smartphone, take pictures of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle.

Check for any witnesses and take down their contact information. If anyone saw what happened, ask them to stay at the scene and provide their contact information to the police. The police will need to speak to any witnesses to help identify the driver who fled the scene.

You should also do the following:

• Call the police and report the accident – It’s essential to report the accident as soon as possible, especially if anyone is injured. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911. If there are no injuries, call the non-emergency line for your local police department. Provide the operator with all the information you have about the accident, including the time and location of the incident, the make and model of the other car, and any identifying features. Give them your contact information so they can follow up with you later.
• Seek medical attention if necessary – If you or anyone else is injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel any pain, getting checked out by a doctor as soon as possible is a good idea. Some injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the accident.
• Contact your insurance company and provide them with all the information you have – Your insurance company will need to know about the accident, even if the police never locate the other driver. The insurer can help you file a claim and cover any damages to your vehicle.

How To Report a Hit and Run to the Police

Reporting a hit and run to the police is essential, even if you don’t think they can find the other driver. Reporting the accident can help the police track down the other driver and hold them responsible for their actions. Here’s what to do when reporting a hit and run to the police:

• Call the emergency line if it’s an emergency or the non-emergency line for non-urgent situations. Be sure to dial 911 if anyone is injured.
• Provide the operator with all the information you have about the accident, including the time and location of the incident, the make and model of the other car, and any identifying features. If you have witness contact information, provide that as well.
• Give a statement to the police when they arrive at the scene. The police will need to take a report of the accident and gather any evidence they can to help find the other driver.
• Cooperate with the police throughout the investigation. If the police catch the other driver, they may ask you to testify in court.

Consequences of Not Reporting a Hit and Run to the Police

Failing to report a hit and run to the police can have serious consequences. In some states, it’s a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident without reporting it. Doing so can result in criminal charges, fines, and even jail time. If someone was injured or killed in the accident, the driver who fled the scene might face even more severe consequences.

Additionally, if you don’t report the accident, your insurance company may not cover the damages, leaving you responsible for the costs.

Contact Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Today

Being involved in a hit and run car accident can be a traumatic experience, but it’s crucial to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and others. If you’re ever involved in a hit and run accident, stay at the scene, collect as much information as possible, seek medical attention if necessary, and report the accident to the police. If you need help after suffering injuries in a hit and run crash, the Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys at  Abel Law Firm can help. Call us at (405) 239-7046 or contact us online for a free consultation.