Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic situation, but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, an extra layer of complications is introduced. While Maryland law dictates that drivers must pull over after an accident takes place, that obviously does not always happen. Drivers may flee the scene due to a lack of car insurance, a lack of a valid driver’s license, or an outstanding warrant for arrest. In some cases, it’s possible that the at-fault driver did not even realize a collision took place. In any case, you deserve to receive full compensation after a hit and run. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of doing just that.
Assess Yourself for Injury
After a hit and run, or any type of auto crash takes place, your first step should be to evaluate yourself for any injures. If you discover that you are injured, be sure to call 911 right away. If you end up requiring treatment, be sure to keep all documentation and records relating to your injury, as they could be crucial as you seek to gain compensation.
Contacting the Police
In addition to requesting medical support if you require it, you should also request a law enforcement response. This way, an officer can begin investigating the accident and creating a police report. Naturally, you will want to provide as much detail about the involved vehicle as you can recall. One of our most important tips is to not pursue the fleeing driver. That is because you could be putting yourself at risk and bypassing the opportunity to gather eyewitness accounts of the accident that could prove useful to law enforcement and your case.
Gather Evidence
In addition to providing your best recollection of the other driver who fled the scene (vehicle make, model, license state/ number), you should make an effort to document everything you can regarding the accident. Be sure to remember the time of the crash and take plenty of photos of the damage to your vehicle. Naturally, you can also ask others to photograph the scene if you are unable to do so.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Be sure to report the hit and run incident to your auto insurance company within 24 hours of the crash. This will come in handy if you end up submitting a not-at-fault insurance claim in the coming days. At this point, you will be able to get an idea of the deductible you can expect to cover to get your car fully repaired and safe to operate again.
Are You Dealing with the Aftermath of a Hit and Run? We Can Help.
Have you been involved in a hit and run incident? Don’t go it alone! If you or a loved one experienced an injury, you deserve a skilled attorney who will get you the compensation that you deserve. Consult with an experienced attorney like those of the Law Office of Elizabeth A. Lawrence today by clicking here or calling (410) 986-0088. Skype, Zoom and Facetime consultations are available as well.