Hit-and-run accidents are a common occurrence around the world. In such an accident, the driver flees the scene without concern for the injured to escape the law. Being involved in a car accident can be a confusing and traumatizing experience. A hit-and-run incident where you do not even know who caused it can add to your trauma and anger after the accident. The experienced Virginia Car Accident Lawyers have provided an important video clarifying your legal options to ensure you are fully compensated after your hit-and-run accident.
Furthermore, there are several things you should do if you find yourself involved in such an accident to ensure your safety. The first thing to do is to provide you, and any passengers in your car are not in immediate danger. Nothing is more important than human life; getting yourself and others out of harm’s way is one of the foremost responsibilities of a human.
Stay At The Scene
While the other person has fled the scene, you should remain at the site of the accident. It is essential to stay to document everything to the best of your abilities.
Call 911
It is essential to call 911 as soon as possible. While you recall the accident details, inform the police about any potential identification of the other driver. If you remember the other car’s color, model, or make or the other driver’s physical appearance, you should relay the information to law enforcement immediately.
Ask For Medical Help
While on the call with a 911 operator, ask for emergency medical help if you or anyone else is injured. Timely medical attention can be the difference between life and death.
Make a Record
Keep a record in your mind or on your phone via written or voice notes of everything at the site of the accident. Recall all important information, including the weather conditions, the state of the traffic signals at the time of the accident, and the speed at which you drove the car. If you have a smartphone with a camera, take pictures of your physical injuries and car damage. It is essential to have a thorough record for future legal proceedings and insurance claims.
Interview Witnesses
Obtain personal information from the witnesses and interview them shortly to hear their versions of the accident. Having eyewitnesses who can go on the record to give a detailed account of events can be of utmost importance in a legal case. Someone at the scene could have noted crucial information that could identify the suspect. In some cases, eyewitnesses might even note and recall the license plate of the offending driver.
Hire an Attorney
Hit-and-run cases are quite different from normal vehicular accidents, where the party at fault can be determined with the evidence present. Since the other party has fled the scene, obtaining justice on your own can be a challenging task for you. Hiring a personal injury lawyer specializing in hit-and-run cases is advisable. The lawyer will help catch the driver responsible for the accident and ensure that your insurance claim is settled justly.