Hit and run accidents… more accurately called crashes, can leave you or someone you love in a precarious physical and financial position. Where you might be able to have your medical bills and even some of the other expenses paid for through your own insurance coverage your ability to recover a monetary judgment that will properly and fully address your economic and noneconomic losses may be compromised.  Even if you have sufficient uninsured motorist coverage, unless there is evidence of actual contact with the vehicle of the at-fault driver in a hit and run crash, you may not be able to obtain full compensation.  If you can identify the driver you can also go after that driver’s insurance and/or assets assuming they have either.

            What To Do After A Hit-and-Run.  The steps you take following a hit-and-run accident are critical in determining the ability to locate the at-fault driver and protect your rights. Health and safety should remain of primary concern, just as it should be after any car crash and emergency medical assistance and/or arrangements to obtain medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible is the first order of action.  However there are other things you need to do.

           Taking Notes and Taking Pictures Are Critically Important.   Don’t hesitate to write down or otherwise record or memorialize the details of the crash as soon as possible. Include as many details about the car that struck you and the driver of that car as possible and remember that no detail should be overlooked. In your description, attempt to answer questions such as:

• The make, model, condition, and color of the vehicle. Include the year of the car if you know that.
• The license plate on the vehicle. Sometimes you may only be able to remember a portion of the license plate number and the state that issues the plate and that may be enough information. Police and other law enforcement agencies have incredible databases and with your help that may be able to identify the vehicle and driver;
• A description of the driver and others in the other vehicle.   Sex, age, hair color, how many people in the car, last known direction of travel and what damage their car may have sustained.
• Gather the names of any potential witnesses.
• Use your cell phone camera to take pictures and record video if possible.
• Stay out of harm’s way while remaining safe and calm.
• Any other details no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time.

Once you’ve recorded your memories, turn them over to law enforcement officers investigating your crash and/or your attorney as soon as possible and keep a copy for your own records. The chances of finding the at-fault driver increase dramatically the sooner law enforcement officers are able to begin looking for him or her and the more information you have gathered.   In many cases, even without being able to prosecute that driver, uninsured motorist coverage may be available.

We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when they refuse to follow the law. We help with serious issues that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth. We have over 80 years of experience in our plaintiff’s only law firm. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We Can Help!