Blog Post
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run
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- 09 Oct, 2018
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In Michigan, harsh penalties await drivers who leave the scene after injuring someone in a collision. A lack of insurance is one of the most common reasons drivers leave the scene after an accident.
If you're a victim of a hit and run, you may wonder what your rights are and whether you're entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Based on Michigan law, victims of hit-and-run accidents are generally able to collect compensation from their own insurance company, even if the at-fault driver evades capture.
Here are some wise steps to take if you or a loved one is a victim of a hit-and-run.
Avoid Pursuing The Offender
It's crucial that you remain at the scene of the accident instead of pursuing the offender. This creates a variety of problems for you, including a missed opportunity to find witnesses, as well as putting your safety at risk. Leave it to the police to track down the offender.
Find A Safe Place To Pull Over
If your vehicle is operational, pull over to the side of the road as close to the scene as possible. If you can't move your vehicle, be sure to stand in a safe area away from the road while you wait for the police to arrive. If you're seriously injured, call an ambulance so that you can get immediate medical attention. Getting your injuries treated as soon as possible is the most important aspect.
Report The Hit-And-Run
Contact the police as soon as possible to report that you've been hit and inform the police that the driver left the scene. If you're taken to the hospital immediately, tell the police which hospital you're going to. The police will meet you at the hospital to take a report of the incident. If someone is with you who isn't injured, they may feel comfortable remaining at the scene to speak with police.
Record Details Of The Accident
It's best to record details of the accident immediately. Taking photos is one of the best ways to document an auto accident. If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident, your vehicle, any damage to your vehicle or other property, and photos of your injuries. Taking clear, close-up photographs is crucial. If your injuries prevent you from taking photos, have a friend or family member take them for you. You'll also want to record the date and time of the accident, the exact location, the direction the other vehicle traveled and the circumstances of the hit-and-run. If you're able to, record the license plate number of the other vehicle, as well as the make and model.
Speak With Witnesses
Witnesses to the accident can help in a variety of ways, so be sure to get the name and contact information of anyone who may have witnessed the driver hit you. Someone may have seen the license plate of the offender's vehicle, and they might even be able to describe the driver. Additionally, someone may have recorded the incident on their cell phone, so don't discount the value of locating and speak with witnesses.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You'll have a lot of things to deal with following a hit-and-run. However, it's important that you avoid waiting too long to report the accident to your insurance company. Most insurance companies require you to report an accident within three days. Your insurance company may deny your claim if you wait longer than three days to report the accident. The time period immediately following a hit-and-run accident is often stressful and filled with chaos. Enlisting the representation of an experienced personal injury attorney is a valuable step toward recovering fair compensation for your injuries. Contact Rowling & Partipilo PC for a consultation if you or someone you know sustained serious injuries following a hit-and-run.
