A hit-and-run is one of the scariest and most infuriating accidents a person can experience. Victims are often left confused, traumatized, and unsure of what to do. While it’s easy to panic, keeping your cool and documenting the scene of the crime is the best thing you can do for yourself. To protect your rights and get the compensation you’re owed, document these five essential items after a hit-and-run to increase your chances of a good outcome when the incident goes to court.
Essential Item #1: Vehicle Details
A hit-and-run situation can leave you flustered, but if you can remember any details about the offending vehicle, it can significantly aid in the search for the perpetrator. Take a moment to recall the make, model, and color of the car that hit you. If possible, also try to remember the license plate number, even if it’s just the first or last few characters.
Take note of any distinctive characteristics that may help authorities locate the offending vehicle. These could include bumper stickers, non-standard paint jobs, aftermarket parts, or noticeable damage aside from the collision. The more you can recall and note down, the better chance law enforcement will have in tracking down the suspect.
To help yourself remember these details, you can do things like repeating them to yourself, writing them down, or taking a video or voice memo of yourself describing them. Memories can fade quickly in a stressful situation like this, so making a record of what you remember as accurately as possible will help in the search for the perpetrator.
Essential Item #2: Accident Scene Documentation
Achieving a positive resolution with law enforcement and insurance companies often hinges on the quality of your accident scene documentation. By capturing photographs or videos of the accident scene, you provide a tangible and objective record of events that are otherwise reliant on personal testimonies or memory.
Taking photos or videos of the damage to your vehicle, road conditions, and visible street signs creates a comprehensive picture of the accident scene. This documentation will serve as evidence for both legal and insurance proceedings and can greatly strengthen your case with a personal injury lawyer. If possible, try to document the scene as soon as it’s safe to do so since road conditions and even your vehicle’s damage can change over time.
Essential Item #3: Witness Information
Anyone who witnessed the accident can also provide crucial support to your case due to their proximity to the incident. Their subjective perspective and recall of the incident can validate your version of events and provide additional details that you may have missed. Gather contact details from these individuals, including their names, phone numbers, and email addresses, so that they can be contacted later if needed.
Ask witnesses to recall their observations and, if they’re comfortable, provide a written or recorded statement. Encourage them to include as much detail as possible, including the driver’s face or build, the direction they fled in, the speed they were driving, and any other relevant details that might help law enforcement track them down.
Essential Item #4: Personal Injury and Medical Records
You need to seek medical attention immediately after a hit-and-run accident, even if you have visible injuries or pain. Documentation of any injuries sustained can substantiate the need for compensation and potentially reveal the long-term health implications of the crash. Even if you’re perfectly fine, seeking medical attention provides another record of the accident and demonstrates your concern for yourself following the accident.
Ensure you obtain a copy of medical reports and documents detailing your treatment. This evidence may prove instrumental in demonstrating the severity of your physical and emotional trauma and could impact the amount of compensation you may receive.
Essential Item #5: Police Report
Reporting the incident to the police not only aids in their search for the perpetrator but also provides an official account of the event for future use. Make it clear that you would like to have a written report filed, and ensure you obtain a copy of it for your records. Not only will it get the ball rolling in tracking down the person responsible for the accident, but it also gives you a leg up when filing an insurance claim.
Document the Scene and Get a Free Consultation with Larry Pitt & Associates
Thorough documentation following a hit-and-run accident can make the difference between unresolved trauma and rightful compensation. By meticulously noting important details about the offending vehicle, documenting the accident scene, gathering witness information, seeking medical care, and filing a police report, you arm yourself with the tools necessary to navigate the potentially complex legal and insurance processes that follow.
If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, Larry Pitt & Associates can provide the legal support you need. Call us at 1-888-PITT-LAW, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today to explore your rights and the options available to you.
