A hit-and-run accident can be a terrifying and frustrating experience. Not only do you face the stress of dealing with vehicle damage or personal injuries, but you may be left without knowing who is responsible for the incident. Hit-and-run accidents may occur more often than we might realize, and they can cause confusion, anxiety, and financial problems. For this type of accident, it can be important to know what to do in a hit-and-run situation and what auto insurance policies may help you after this unlucky event.
What’s a hit-and-run?
You may already be familiar with the term, but what is a concise definition of a hit-and-run accident? A hit-and-run simply means a situation where a collision occurs and one of the drivers leaves the scene. Without communication between drivers, this may lead to serious financial and legal consequences for both parties.
Immediate actions to take after a hit and run
It may be crucial to take action directly after a collision. Here are some tips that may help you after someone hits your car and runs:
Move to a safe location
If you’re not in a good spot and can drive your vehicle safely, it may be appropriate to move your car to the side of the road and away from traffic. Though you might have the impulse to chase the fleeing driver, it may be crucial to avoid that action. Chasing the other driver could escalate the situation and put you in danger.
Check for injuries
Next, you can check yourself for injuries and ask your passengers if they think they are hurt. Even if you feel fine, it may be necessary to seek medical attention, since some injuries like whiplash may not show symptoms immediately. If you see that one of your passengers is injured, call 911 for proper assistance.
Document the incident
Documenting an accident may be helpful when it’s time to file a claim. Here are some documentation steps you may want to take:
- Write down details: If you were able to get a glimpse of the fleeing vehicle, it may be crucial to record the color, make, or model of the vehicle and license plate number. Sometimes partial information may still be helpful.
- Record the time and location: Documenting the time of day, exact location, and other relevant circumstances, like weather or road conditions, may help you in the long run.
- Take photos: Photographing the damage to your vehicle may help authorities piece together the details of the hit-and-run.
- Talk to witnesses: If there are bystanders, ask them about what they saw and if they’re willing to give a statement. Their accounts may assist with identifying the other driver.
Contact law enforcement
You may want to call the police as soon as possible to report the hit-and-run. In certain states, it’s required to call the police depending on how significant the damage is to your vehicle, or if someone is injured. After the police arrive, you can provide them with witness information, photos, and vehicle details. Police may use this information to investigate the incident and help track down the driver responsible. Be sure to get a copy of the police report, as you may need it when dealing with your insurance company later.
Contact your insurer
Once you’ve reported the incident to the police, you may want to contact your insurer. You can inform them about the hit-and-run, providing them with details you have as well as the police report. Insurance companies might need this information to initiate the claims process.
Does insurance cover a hit-and-run?
When you’re involved in a hit-and-run, your auto insurance may cover the damage, but it depends on your coverage as well as the facts of your case. Here are some coverages that may help in this situation:
- Uninsured motorist coverage: This may help cover your medical expenses and property damage caused by an uninsured driver. In some states, uninsured motorist insurance may help pay for damages to your vehicle if the responsible party cannot be identified.
- Collision coverage: This insurance may help cover the damage to your vehicle after a collision, regardless of who’s at fault.
What measures can drivers take?
While you can’t prevent a hit-and-run from happening, there are steps you can take that may lessen the severity of an accident:
- Use a dash cam: Installing a dash cam can help record events during your drive. The footage may be used as evidence if you are involved in an accident.
- Stay alert: Being aware of your surroundings and practicing defensive driving may be crucial for avoiding or mitigating accidents. Increasing distance between you and other drivers on the road may also help avoid potential dangers. If someone appears to be driving erratically, it may be a good time for you to change lanes or move away from that vehicle.
Dealing with a hit-and-run can be stressful, but implementing these helpful steps may be effective if you wind up in this unfortunate situation. Alongside being aware of your surroundings, having insurance coverage, like uninsured motorist and collision coverage, may help you avoid financial issues from a hit-and-run accident. If you have questions about your coverage or want a free personalized quote, you can call Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. at 1-855-478-3705.
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