Are You The Victim Of A Hit-And-Run Driver? What To Know

Posted on 26 July 2023

If you've been the victim of a hit-and-run driver, it can be a distressing situation, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and increase the chances of identifying the responsible party. Here's what you can do if you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident:

  1. Stay at the scene: If you're the victim of a hit and run, remain at the scene and try to stay as calm as possible. Don't attempt to chase the fleeing driver, as it could lead to further accidents or injuries.
  2. Check for injuries: First, ensure your safety and the safety of any passengers in your vehicle. Check for injuries and call for emergency medical assistance if needed.
  3. Call the police: Report the hit-and-run incident to the police immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible, such as the description of the other vehicle involved, its license plate number (if you were able to see it), and the direction in which the driver fled.
  4. Gather evidence: If it is safe to do so, collect evidence at the scene. Take photos of your vehicle's damage, skid marks, debris, and any other relevant details that might help in the investigation.
  5. Look for witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Their statements could be invaluable in identifying the hit-and-run driver.
  6. Seek medical attention: Even if you don't have visible injuries, it's crucial to get a medical evaluation after an accident. Some injuries might not manifest immediately, and it's essential to document your condition for insurance purposes.
  7. Consult with an attorney: If you've been injured or suffered significant property damage in a hit-and-run accident, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. They can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and advocate on your behalf to seek compensation for your losses.
  8. Check for surveillance footage: If the hit and run occurred in locations with homes and businesses, verify any nearby cameras with footage of the accident. 
  9. Utilize social media and local community platforms: Sometimes, social media or local community platforms can be helpful in spreading information about the hit and run, potentially leading to tips or identification of the responsible driver.

A consultation with a personal injury lawyer will help you ensure that everything possible is done to locate the driver that caused the accident. For more information, contact a service provider like Stawicki Anderson & Sinclair.


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Family Documents: Dealing with Legal Arrangements

After putting it off for years, my wife and I finally decided the time had come to call an attorney and prepare documents related to our estate. From the very first consultation, we knew that there was a lot of work to do. Fortunately, our lawyer was with us every step of the way. Before we were done, our wills were finalized, we set up trust funds for the kids, and had identified guardians who would take care of the kids if we died before they reached adulthood. We even prepared living wills, ensuring our wishes would be carried out if we were too ill to make our wishes known. If you have not organized your estate, start today. I'll share how we identified our needs, and what it took to put everything in place. I promise that once the job is done, you'll sleep better at night.