At Harding Law, APC we are equipped to help people who have been injured by hit-and-run drivers in California find the best avenue of recovery for their injuries. Many times, the victims of hit-and-run accidents are left injured and confused, with no idea how to track down the at-fault driver or navigate their own uninsured motorist insurance policies.
Below are a few tips on what you can do at the scene to make sure you are fairly compensated for your injuries after a hit-and-run accident:
How a Lawyer Can Help
First, a good personal injury attorney in your area will have a private investigator that will allow them to track down the driver and/or vehicle owner much faster than the average person.
Second, an attorney will be able to identify and secure evidence that is crucial to your claim including photos, surveillance video (if available), and witness statements.
Finally, an attorney who deals with insurance companies and their adjusters everyday will help you navigate the negotiation process and avoid falling for their tricks or settling your claim for less than what it is worth.
(1) Take Photos at the Scene
If you’re able to, take a photo of the hit and run driver’s license plate. If it happens too quickly and you are unable to, write down the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the scene of the accident (street signs, traffic signals, monuments, etc…).
(2) Talk to Witnesses
If you’re able to, see if there are any witnesses around who saw the hit and run occur. Write down their names and numbers somewhere safe. Sometimes these witnesses saw something about the fleeing car that you may have missed.
(3) File a Police Report
Ideally, when you call 911 the police will come to the scene and make a report. In some cases, however, the police will not come to the scene. In these situations, it is your responsibility to go either online or to a police station and file a hit and run report.
This step is important as some insurance companies will not provide uninsured motorist coverage for a hit and run accident if you do not file a police report.
(4) Seek Medical Treatment
Do not delay. Go to your local urgent care or emergency room as soon as possible to get yourself checked out if you are in pain.