Every year, thousands of individuals become victims of hit-and-run accidents, leaving them not only with physical injuries but also with a sense of injustice and frustration. From drivers and passengers to pedestrians, cyclists, bikers, and more, these incidents can have severe implications, affecting victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Understanding the correct steps to take immediately after a hit-and-run accident is crucial for your safety, recovery, and the pursuit of justice.

Call 317-881-2700 When You Need a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Indiana

The Severe Impact of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents are traumatic events that can leave lasting scars. The sudden shock, confusion, and anger can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know what to do in the aftermath. However, the actions you take immediately following the incident are critical in ensuring your well-being and securing your legal rights.

Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident

❶ Secure Your Safety and the Scene

Your first priority should be your safety and the safety of any passengers. Move to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Assess yourself and others for injuries, remembering that some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline.

❷ Call Emergency Services and Report the Accident

Even if there are no visible injuries, it’s crucial to call 911. Reporting the accident is not only a legal requirement in many areas but also ensures that you have official documentation of the event, which is vital for insurance and legal processes.

❸ Gather Evidence

If you can, take photos of the scene, including your vehicle, any property damage, and the surrounding area. Look for any possible witnesses and ask for their contact information. Note down anything you remember about the hit-and-run driver, such as their race, hair color, sex, etc… or their vehicle, such as color, make, model, or any part of the license plate number.

❹ Notify Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide them with all the collected evidence and the police report once it’s available. This step is crucial for starting the claims process.

Legal and Financial Implications for Hit-and-Run Victims

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Most insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage, which can be invaluable in hit and run situations. This coverage can help pay for your medical expenses and repairs to your vehicle, even if the at-fault driver is never identified.

Legal Recourse Against the At-Fault Driver

If the negligent driver is located, you have the right to pursue legal action against them. A skilled car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim to seek compensation for damages and injuries.

Compensation for Damages

Compensation in hit and run auto accident cases may cover medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and in some cases, pain and suffering. While the process can be complex, securing compensation is crucial for your recovery and financial stability.

Long-Term Recovery and Support for Hit-and-Run Victims

Physical and Emotional Recovery

Recovering from a hit-and-run accident involves more than just healing physical injuries. The emotional impact can be significant, and seeking support from professionals, such as counselors or support groups, can be beneficial.

Community and Legal Support

Remember, you’re not alone. Numerous resources and communities are available to support hit-and-run victims. Legal professionals who concentrate on auto accidents can offer guidance and help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Conclusion: The Importance of Taking Immediate Action

The aftermath of a hit and run accident can feel daunting, but taking immediate and correct actions can significantly impact your recovery and the outcome of your case. Securing your safety, gathering evidence, and seeking professional legal advice are crucial steps in protecting your rights and interests.

If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run accident, don’t hesitate to seek the support and compensation you deserve. Remember, justice may be a complex road, but with the right guidance, recovery and resolution are within reach. For more information and support, you should consult a car accident lawyer who can provide you with personalized advice tailored to your situation.

For an expert personal injury auto accident attorney, contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 today. Our Indianapolis car accident lawyers provide contingency-fee representation, so you don’t pay anything unless we successfully secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. We offer the option to hold meetings either by phone, at your residence, online, or at the hospital if necessary.

❶ Get Proper Automotive Coverage

As a preventative maintenance, it is highly recommended to get uninsured automotive coverage for potential cases of hit and run car accidents where guilty drivers don’t have enough insurance to cover all damages. Many people purchase liability-only car insurance policies, but in the case of a hit and run accident where the guilty driver is never identified, these policy holders can be out-of-luck when it comes to getting their automotive repair costs and medical costs covered. Full coverage insurance policies are also highly recommended. As the popular saying suggests, “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.

❷ Medical Attention

First and foremost, if involved in such an accident, be sure to get medical care first if you feel you are seriously injured. Call 911 or EMT’s for emergency medical care. If you are not certain about the extent of your injuries, and you don’t need ER services, you can wait until medical technicians arrive to inspect and treat you on-site, or you can have a loved one take you to the hospital once everything else is handled at the scene. Sometimes injuries can stay dormant and not appear for days or weeks following an accident. This is why it is important to have a doctor look at you even if you feel fine.

❸ File a Police Report

Apart from being fully covered so that you are protected from potential hit and run accidents where the negligent party is never brought forth, other tips are strongly encouraged. For example, call the police as soon as a hit and run incident occurs. File a report with the police giving them all the detail you have regarding the driver and car that hit you. Any information is helpful; such as the make or model of the vehicle, driver descriptions, license plate numbers, and car color. This information will help officers locate the negligent driver and hold them responsible for their actions. Be sure to not give the police officer any details about your actions involved in the accident, only discuss what the other driver did and how you are injured. Save this job for your attorney.

❹ Hire a Licensed and Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Once you are finished with the police and in stable condition, contact a personal injury law firm in your city as soon as you are physically able to. If you or your loved one require an extended hospital stay, have a friend or family member call on your behalf. The important thing is to contact them as soon as possible to get started recovering compensation for your damages. Victims that were injured in an automotive or pedestrian hit and run accident, whether the negligent party was anonymous or identified, can be eligible for legal compensation or remuneration. They simply need a personal injury attorney to assist them in securing the financial recompense in which they are lawfully entitled.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

Tag Archives: hit and run accident claim

Hit-and-Run Survival Guide: Essential Steps and Legal Insight