Steps to Take as a Victim of a Hit-and-Run

Being involved in any type of road accident is certainly one of the most terrifying things anyone can experience. Besides that, finding out that the other driver has run away can make it even worse. Firstly, as a victim of a hit-and-run, it is your job to ensure that everyone with you is completely safe. Only after that should you proceed with all the legal formalities.

Put simply, a hit-and-run is a type of accident where one driver has left the scene without reporting to the police. Hit-and-runs often take place when a car impacts another similar vehicle or pedestrians. These cases are very common and often working with a hit and run attorney in Atlanta is necessary. If you are a victim of such an accident, it is important to understand what to do afterward.

1. Contact the Police

Getting a police report is one of the most important things to do especially for your insurance claim. Ensuring the police are at the scene will guarantee that there will be a record of the hit-and-run accident.

When it comes to helping the police find the driver who ran away, you should provide as many details as possible about the individual including a detailed description of the car or the person. Before working with the best pedestrian accident attorney in Atlanta, it is important to contact the police and obtain the report.

2. Talk to the Witnesses

Witnesses are very valuable in a hit-and-run case. Being a victim of the collision, you are unlikely to have all the details. However, a witness might have some valuable information like the perpetrator’s car type, the license plate, or even the person’s clear description.

In a few cases, some witnesses end up recording the incident offering conclusive evidence. So, you should try to gather the witnesses at the scene and ask for their contact information. It is also recommended to ask them to make a statement to the police.

Remember that witnesses are vital because even insurance companies require them or else they won’t consider your case as valid. Gathering witnesses and working with a hit and run attorney in Atlanta is important for you to get justice.

3. Evaluate the Damages

Incidents like hit-and-run often result in damages to the vehicles. Documenting the damages is paramount. Begin by taking clear photographs of your car after the incident. Remember that your claim might be denied if the insurance company thinks that your vehicle has minimal damage.

In case you have physical injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible to have a record of the damages. A lot of times, injuries are not noticeable but you should still seek the advice of a well-qualified doctor to ensure you are completely fine.

4. Seek Justice

Regardless of whether the perpetrator is found or not, it is your responsibility to seek justice and compensation for the damages that you had to incur because of the incident.

Insurance companies often try to deny the cases or provide the lowest possible settlement. This is where a hit and run attorney in Atlanta can help you. The individual’s experience and training will help you secure the compensation and get justice.

Lawyers are often equipped with specialized knowledge which is why their assistance is ideal. Just ensure that the one you hire has successfully worked on similar cases before.

Conclusion

Even if you practice caution when driving, you might still end up in an unfortunate incident because of others because many people drive recklessly. In case you are a victim of a hit-and-run incident, follow the steps mentioned in this article to get justice and compensation.