Steps to Take after a Hit and Run Accident
Being injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence is always stressful, but if the at-fault driver flees the scene, the matter becomes far more so. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, it’s time to consult with an experienced Moncks Corner hit and run accident attorney.
Step One: Know What You’re Up Against
The NHTSA reports that hit and run accidents increased by a full 26 percent in a recent year while the number of total miles traveled decreased by 11 percent. In other words, hit and run accidents are on the rise. These accidents are often precipitated by motorists who have something to hide, such as drunk driving, which has also increased – according to the CDC. The bottom line is that hit and run accidents are likely more common than you realize.
Step Two: Don’t Follow the At-Fault Driver
You’ve been injured in a hit and run accident, and your first impulse may be to follow the at-fault driver, but you should squelch this impulse. A motorist who is willing to leave the scene of an accident may not stop there, and your safety should be of primary concern. If you can snap a picture or film a video of the driver in their get-away car, it can strengthen your claim considerably, but your efforts should stop there.
Step Three: Seek the Medical Care You Need
You were involved in a hit and run, and as a result, your adrenaline is pumping, and you may be in shock. The effects of both can mask symptoms that are trying to tell you’re injured. Even if you believe the accident was relatively minor and that you weren’t seriously injured, it is in the best interest of your overall health and well-being – as well as your hit and run claim – to seek immediate medical care. The earlier your injuries are diagnosed, the more effective the treatment is likely to be, and your actions let the involved insurance company know that you’re taking the matter seriously.
Step Four: Consult with an Accomplished Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
The very next step in the process is reaching out for the skilled legal guidance of a trusted hit and run accident attorney. Accidents in which the at-fault motorist flees are that much more challenging, but your focused hit and run attorney will ably take on all the following:
- Gathering and skillfully compiling all the available evidence, including the police report, the testimony of eyewitnesses, any pictures or videos taken at the scene, footage from nearby security cameras and dashcams, your testimony, and beyond
- Endeavoring to identify the hit and run driver by every means possible
- Skillfully negotiating with the involved insurance provider for a settlement that fairly addresses your complete losses
- Being ready to move the matter to court if the insurance company chooses not to cooperate
An Experienced Moncks Corner Hit and Run Attorney Can Help
George Bishop at George P. Bishop Jr., PA – proudly serving Moncks Corner, South Carolina – is a diligent hit and run attorney who will leave no stone unturned in his efforts to obtain the compensation to which you’re entitled. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 843-761-8213 today.