Is There Anything I Can Do in a Hit and Run Accident?
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If you’ve been in a hit and run car accident, you may feel like there’s nothing you can do. Your car is damaged, you may have injuries that require medical attention, or your passengers may be hurt. But without the other party’s insurance information or even their name, what can you do? Being in a hit and run can be very depressing once you realize you may not be able to receive the compensation you’re due. Fortunately, there are some things you can do after one of these accidents that can help police track down the perpetrator.
Make a Police Report
A hit and run is considered a crime in New York. The person could face a fine, have points added to their license, or even have a criminal conviction placed on their record. It all depends on what types of damages occur and how severe any injuries are. The law also states that the driver who hit the other vehicle must share their insurance information. In a hit and run, the driver is breaking this law in addition to causing injuries.
This means that you need to make a police report if no police are called to the scene. If someone was injured, of course, or if major damage was done, you should certainly call 911 and wait for the police and medical crew to arrive. Otherwise, you need to go to the police station and make a report as soon as you can.
Look for Witnesses
In most cases, a hit and run happens so fast and leaves you so shaken that you may not have time to get a good look at the other vehicle or the driver. If you’re lucky, though, there will be a few witnesses who can provide you with information. If you see anyone nearby, don’t hesitate to ask them if they saw anything and if you can have their contact information to pass along to the police or your lawyer if needed.
Take Photos
Just as you would at any car accident, take photos if it’s safe for you to do so. If the accident occurred on a busy highway, you may not be able to get photos of the entire area where the accident occurred, but do so if you can. Take pictures of your vehicle, too, especially if there’s any paint from the other car that rubbed off on yours.
You’ll also want to be sure you have an experienced hit and run attorney on your side. Contact the experts at Held & Hines LLP to discuss your case today.
Posted in: Auto Accidents, Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Uncategorized
