What Should I Do After a Hit and Run?

Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, even when both parties exchange insurance information. But what happens if you’ve been the victim of a hit and run?

Hit and run accidents are sadly more common than you might think. Evidence suggests the number of hit and run incidents are increasing.

According to a recent study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of fatal crashes from hit and runs is on the rise. In 2011, the last year the NHSTA collected data, the number rose to nearly 1500.

Overall, crashes decreased from 2006 to 2011, but fatal hit and run increased by nearly 14%. In some areas of the country, hit and runs are more common than others. For example, in certain areas of California, around half of all recorded accidents involve a driver who fled the scene.

I’ve Been In A Hit and Run? Now What?

Usually, when we’ve been in an accident, we check to make sure everyone is okay, call emergency services if necessary, and begin the claims process by exchanging insurance information. With hit and run accidents, the process is not so simple.

Immediately after a hit and run accident, your body will likely go into overdrive. You’ll be experiencing a lot of emotions: stress about getting your vehicle fixed and anger at the driver who fled the scene. But maintaining your cool is one the most important things you can do in a hit and run situation. Having a clear head increases your chances of catching the perpetrator, as well as increasing your chances of giving your instance company all the information they need to complete your claim.

Immediately After the Accident

In the moments right after the accident, gather as much information about the driver as you can, including make, model, and color of the vehicle he or she was driving. Obviously, having a plate number is best, but it can be hard to glean from a speeding car. Relay as much information as you can to the police officer.

Look around for witnesses and collect their contact information – names, numbers, and email addresses. They may become important to your case and you should be file them with your report.

Before leaving the accident scene, take pictures, of both the location and the damage to your car. You can request that the police add these to their report, and they will be useful to your insurance company.

Filing a Claim

Since you don’t have the other driver’s insurance information, you’ll have to enact your underinsured or uninsured portion of your auto policy. Most states have required minimums for coverage, but your insurance company may recommend more. Check with your insurance company for exact policy conditions. Keep in mind you’ll have to pay the deductible to cover the cost of repairs, unless the perpetrator is caught.

Filing a Police Report

In many municipalities throughout the metro Houston area, a policer officer will only report to an accident scene if there have been injuries. If you are involved in a hit and run in one of these areas, you’ll have to come down to the police station to file a report. Don’t neglect this step, even if you think the chances of finding the other driver are slim. Provide as many details as possible to aid law enforcement. Even if they don’t catch the perpetrator, having a police report on file will assist you with your insurance claim.

Drivers may flee the scene of an accident for a variety of reasons – because they were intoxicated, they didn’t have insurance, or they were simply immature. While none of this is fair to you, you can still take steps to help bring about a speedy resolution to your claim. Our Houston personal injury attorneys can help you seek justice.