For most drivers the last thing you want to think about is What Should You Do If You Are A Victim Of A Hit And Run Accident? Though you may not want to think about it, it is always a good idea to have a solid game plan should you find yourself in this situation. The first thing that you should do in case is to calm yourself down so that you can accurately evaluate a few things.
Steps To Take After a Hit and Run Accident
First, get immediate medical attention. Even if you think you will be ok – after a traumatic accident most people are anesthetized by the adrenalin and do not feel the injuries immediately.
Second, the damage to your car is important but nowhere near as important as your health. Take a moment to sit calmly and look over your arms, legs, and torso for any visible damage. After you have determined if you are hurt or not you should call the police or equivalent law enforcement. You want to make sure that you are able to recall all the information possible about the vehicle that hit you so that when the police arrive they can take down a description of the car which increases your chances of tracking them down.
Contact the Police Immediately After the Accident
If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, contact the police immediately. The police will ask you a series of questions in order to help you recall all that you can about the car or other vehicle that hit you. Though you may not be able to seek any damages from the hit and run driver unless you find them, you can contact your insurance company to collect your damages. Each insurance policy offers a standard amount of injury protection – in California the insurance minimum is $15,000. This money can be used for pain and suffering, hospital bills and doctor’s bills, and any other bill or cost that is associated with getting you back to 100%. After having related all you remember to the police officer regarding the accident – advise the police officer or California Highway Patrol officer that you will seek medical attention for your injuries.
Hit and Run Insurance Claims CA
If you only have minor scrapes and bruising a trip to the emergency room may not be necessary but if you feel as though there may be serious injury you should certainly go. After arriving home you should immediately contact a California Hit and Run lawyer. It is best to have a personal injury lawyer speak on your behalf with your auto insurance company. Together, all parties can arrange to find you a new vehicle and to obtain compensation for your hit and run injuries. Your auto insurance company will take down the details of the accident including the numbers that correspond to the police report and they will contact you in a few days about what your policy covers – again it is best to have a hit and run injury claim lawyer represent you. If you were not in the car when it was hit there is no need to worry about the personal injury part of your insurance policy and you should focus on getting the deductible paid so that you can get a new car.
Contact a Local Hit and Run Lawyer
Hit and run injury accidents are covered under your uninsured motorist policy, so be sure you know understand your auto insurance policy. Most insurance policies will cover your hit and run accident injuries. You will need to prove that was a hit and run and not an accident caused by your own negligence. The basics of What Should You Do If You Are A Victim Of A Hit And Run Accident are simple: 1) Assess the damage to both yourself and your car, 2) contact the authorities, 3) Seek medical treatment, and 4) Contact a Hit and Run victim attorney. Your injury attorney, not you, should speak to your car insurance company on your behalf. The Hit and Run attorneys at The May Firm will assist you throughout the case.
