A car accident is bad enough, but everything that follows can be a nightmare of its own.
If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident, then you should know there’s a list, which will help you manage a lot of the fallout. This includes the likes of insurance claims, police investigations, and injury suits.
Here are four things to do after a hit and run car accident, once everyone is safe.
- File a Police Report
The first step is to file a police report, even if the other driver fled the scene. This will document the accident and can be useful if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Do this as soon as possible after the accident, while the details are still fresh in your mind and the evidence is fresh also. This will let you give the most accurate report possible to the police, as well, which can help them catch the other driver. These extra details could later support the case for an injury suit.
- Detail the Incident
Even if the driver who hit you fled the scene, there’s a chance you may be able to get some information about them. Try and get a description of the car and the license plate number if possible. Witnesses may also be able to help you with this.
You should also collect details from the scene, such as photos of the damage and your injuries, though take care not to disturb any evidence. The police will also gather CCTV and other evidence to build a more complete picture of the incident.
These details will help you achieve closure, make insurance claims, and win an injury case where relevant.
- Compile Medical Records
If you or anyone else involved in the accident sustains injuries, it is important to document everything related to the treatment of those injuries. This includes medical bills, receipts, and any other records. This will help when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit later on.
In legal matters like these, information is ammunition. The more you have, the better equipped your lawyer will be to get you the compensation you deserve.
- Talk to a Lawyer
Depending on the severity of the accident, you may want to speak with a car accident lawyer (see here for options). They can help you understand your legal rights and options, and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a car accident attorney as soon as possible, as there may be deadlines for taking legal action, and your lawyer will be able to coordinate with the police and insurance companies on your behalf.
A lawyer will also be able to cover the things you didn’t know you didn’t know, meaning they’ll be aware of legal angles you won’t have even considered.
Hit and Run Car Accident
No one ever wants to be involved in a car accident, but if you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know what to do. These four steps will help you keep things straight after hit and run accidents.
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