Getting into a hit-and-run accident brings a lot of uncertainty. In the moments after, your mind races with questions: what to do after a hit and run? Should you chase after the driver? Call the police? It’s completely normal to feel lost, but taking quick action can make a huge difference in the outcome of the situation.
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents don’t always have a quick resolution. Sometimes, the driver may never be found, leaving you to deal with the injuries and bills. However, understanding what to do can give you the best chance of getting the compensation you need for medical bills, repairs, and more.
In times of uncertainty after a hit and run, legal guidance can make all the difference. At Hunter | Everage, our York, SC car accident lawyers are here to advocate for you, ensuring your rights are protected and seeking the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Car Accident
Wondering what to do in a hit-and-run? It’s not always easy knowing the next steps to take. Here’s what to do:
- Check for Injuries: Your safety and the safety of others involved should always come first. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
- Call the Police: Report the incident right away. The sooner law enforcement knows about the accident, the better chance they have of finding the person responsible.
- Document Everything: Write down as much as you can remember about the incident—details like the time, location, and any descriptions of the vehicle that fled. Every little bit helps.
- Take Photos: Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any other relevant details, like skid marks or road conditions.
- Look for Witnesses: If there are people around who saw what happened, ask them for their contact information. Their statements could be invaluable later on.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They can guide you on the next steps to take regarding repairs and claims.
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact a car accident lawyer, especially if you’re unsure about your rights or need help dealing with insurance claims.
How to Gather Evidence to Strengthen Your Case
Gathering the right evidence after a hit-and-run accident is crucial to strengthening your case.
The more information you have, the better your chances of holding the at-fault driver accountable or securing compensation.
Start by taking photos of your vehicle’s damage and the scene of the accident. These pictures can provide key details that show the impact and help reconstruct what happened. If there are any noticeable marks, debris, or skid marks, make sure to capture those as well.
It’s also a good idea to look around for nearby security cameras that may have caught footage of the accident. If you spot any, ask the property owners if you can access the footage or have it sent to you.
Witnesses can be a big help too. If anyone was nearby when the accident occurred, ask for their contact information. Witness statements may be crucial for identifying the driver or backing up your account of the accident.
Lastly, if you have a dashcam or know that nearby vehicles might have cameras, check if they recorded anything useful. Even the smallest detail, like the make or color of the car or its license plate, can be a game-changer in your case.
The Role of Law Enforcement in Finding the At-Fault Driver
After a hit-and-run accident, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: Will they catch the driver who did this? Unfortunately, not every hit-and-run driver is found—but that doesn’t mean law enforcement won’t try.
What Do Police Do After a Hit and Run?
When you report a hit and run, officers will take steps to track down the driver, including:
- Gathering Witness Statements: If anyone saw the accident, their descriptions of the car, driver, or even the direction the vehicle fled can be incredibly helpful.
- Checking Security and Traffic Cameras: Many businesses, homes, and city intersections have cameras that may have caught the incident.
- Running Partial License Plate Numbers: Even if you only remember a few digits, that can narrow down potential suspects.
- Looking for Repeat Offenders: Some hit-and-run drivers have done this before. If the accident follows a pattern, police may have a lead.
- Inspecting Local Body Shops: A driver who fled may try to get their car repaired quickly. Some police departments check with auto body shops for suspicious damage reports.
How You Can Help the Investigation
While police will do their part, you can improve the chances of catching the driver by providing as much detail as possible. If you didn’t catch the license plate, even small things like the make, model, color, or unique stickers on the vehicle could be useful.
If the driver isn’t found, you may still be able to get compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced hit-and-run attorney can help you explore your options.
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim After a Hit and Run
Filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim after a hit and run is crucial for recovering damages when the at-fault driver can’t be identified or doesn’t have insurance.
In South Carolina, UM coverage is designed to step in when you’re hit by an uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified driver. This coverage typically helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs resulting from the accident.
To start the process, you’ll need to notify your insurance company promptly. They’ll likely require you to submit a UM claim form detailing the incident and your damages. It’s important to be thorough and provide any documentation, like the police report and medical bills, to support your claim. Your insurer will investigate the claim and assess the validity of your claim to determine the compensation you’re entitled to under your policy.
Insurance companies may sometimes try to minimize payouts. Having legal representation can be beneficial in negotiating with your insurer to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you’re unsure about your UM coverage or encounter difficulties with your claim, consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer can provide clarity and guidance. They can help navigate the complexities of insurance policies and advocate for your best interests throughout the claims process.
Contact an Experienced York, SC Car Accident Lawyer
A hit-and-run accident can leave you with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. At Hunter | Everage, we fight for victims of hit-and-run accidents, ensuring they get justice and compensation. If you’ve been in a hit-and-run, contact us at 704-377-9157 for a free consultation.
Let’s talk about your options and how we can help.