Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you stay safe, protect your rights, and secure compensation. In a typical car accident, all parties involved are expected to stop, check on each other’s wellbeing, and exchange important information. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. In many cases, one party leaves the scene, making it a hit and run accident. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know the correct steps to take to protect your safety and rights.Â
If you’ve been in a hit and run accident recently, follow the proper steps to ensure you can make a valid claim with your medical insurer and/or vehicle insurance company. If necessary, you may also need to contact a personal injury lawyer to guide you through this challenging process.
Overview:
If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run, understanding what to do next can make a significant difference. The following steps outline what you need to do to stay safe, gather critical information, and ensure that you are compensated for any damages or injuries sustained:
- Safety first
- Collect All the Details
- Report to the Police
- Address Your Medical Needs
- Sort Out Your Insurance
- Hit and Run Accident FAQs
5 steps to Take After a hit-and-Run Accident
1. Safety first
When involved in a hit and run, your safety is the most important consideration. The shock and stress of the incident can make it difficult to know what to do, but it’s crucial to stay calm and focus on ensuring your safety and the safety of others.
Key Steps:
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle off the road to avoid further accidents. If you cannot move your vehicle, stay inside with your hazard lights on.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident for injuries.
- Call Emergency Services: If there are injuries or damage, call emergency services immediately. If serious injuries are involved, this will prevent the incident from escalating into a fatal car accident.
Do You Call the Police?: Yes. It’s essential to report the hit and run to the police so they can investigate and record the incident.
2. Collect All the Details
Gathering as much information as possible about the accident is crucial. This information will support your claim and assist the police in their investigation.
Key Information to Collect:
- Vehicle Information: Record details about the other vehicle, including:
- Make, model, and colour of the car
- License plate number (or partial number)
- Description of the driver and passengers (if possible)
- Any distinctive markings or damage on the car
- The direction the vehicle was travelling
- Witness Information: If there are witnesses, get their contact details and a description of what they saw. Ask them to send you any photos or videos they may have taken of the accident.
- Location Information: Make a note of the accident’s exact location, such as:
- Street name and nearby cross streets
- Landmarks or visible stores nearby
- Time of day and weather conditions
- Direction you were travelling in
3. Report to the Police
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to report the incident to the authorities. Accurate and thorough information helps the police investigate the hit and run effectively.
Steps to Take When the Police Arrive:
- Provide All Collected Information: Hand over all the details you’ve gathered about the vehicle, witnesses, and location.
- Cooperate with the Police: Be prepared to give a verbal statement about the accident. If requested, provide a written statement.
- Request a Copy of the Police Report: This will be necessary for your insurance and medical claims.
- Provide Your Contact Details: Make sure the police have your contact information so they can reach you if needed.
- No Police at the Scene? If the police do not attend the scene, file a report at your local station within 24 hours of the accident.
Important Note: Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can result in serious penalties. Always wait for the police to arrive, or file a report at the station as soon as possible.
4. Address your medical needs
After the accident, prioritise your health and seek medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not become apparent until later.
Key Steps to Follow:
- Call an Ambulance if Necessary: If you or anyone else has been seriously injured, call an ambulance immediately.
- See a Doctor: Even if injuries seem minor, make an appointment with your GP to get checked out.
- Document Your Symptoms: Be sure to mention all symptoms you’re experiencing, including pain, dizziness, headaches, nausea, or anything unusual.
- Obtain Medical Records: Request a copy of your medical report, as you’ll need this for insurance and legal purposes.
5. Contact your insurance provider
Once your medical needs have been addressed, the next step is to contact your insurance company and report the hit and run accident.
Information You’ll Need:
- Your car insurance policy number and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- A copy of the police report
- Medical records and any treatment details
- Photographs or videos of the accident
- Details about the damage to your vehicle
- Your current contact information and case number
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company:
- What’s the deductible for your claim, and what type of coverage do you have for uninsured or underinsured motorists?
- Are there any authorised repair shops you need to use for vehicle repairs?
- What’s the time frame for authorising vehicle repairs?
- How will your premiums be affected by the accident?
How a lawyer can help you
Navigating the aftermath of a hit and run can be difficult, particularly if the responsible driver is not identified. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
How a Lawyer Can Assist:
- Identifying the Driver: Lawyers can help you investigate and locate the at-fault driver, if they’ve fled the scene.
- Maximising Compensation: A lawyer can assist you in securing fair compensation for medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Dealing with Insurance: Lawyers can help you manage your claim and ensure you’re treated fairly by the insurance companies.
- Legal Protection: With a lawyer on your side, your rights will be fully protected throughout the process, including representation in court if necessary.Â
If you find yourself in need of assistance with submitting a personal injury claim for your car accident injuries, or simply have more questions about what to do in a hit and run accident, please contact the car accident lawyers at Owen Hodge Lawyers. We are always happy to assist clients in understanding the full ramifications of any and all of your legal needs. Please feel free to call us at your earliest convenience to schedule a consultation at 1800 770 780.
Hit and run accident FAQ
If you report the incident, the police will investigate the hit and run accident. The more detailed information you can provide, the better chance they have of identifying the driver responsible.
The compensation you can receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the extent of the damage to your vehicle. To get a clearer idea of what you’re entitled to, speak to a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case.
Yes, in NSW, all insurers are part of the Nominal Defendant Fund. If the driver is not identified, or the vehicle is uninsured, you can still make a claim for compensation through this fund.
Yes, most car insurance policies cover hit and run accidents, especially under uninsured motorist coverage.
Compensation can cover medical expenses, vehicle repairs, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Hit and run accidents in NSW can result in penalties including fines, licence suspension, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the incident.