- July 17, 2023
- Car Accidents
Imagine driving down the road, minding your own business, when suddenly another car slams into you and speeds away. This is what we call a hit-and-run accident. Normally, the driver would have to stop, wait for the police to arrive, and exchange information.
But if they fail to do so, that’s a crime in itself. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents happen more often than we’d like!
Knowing how to react in such a scary scenario can make all the difference in protecting yourself and seeking justice. And of course, reaching out to a capable Buffalo auto accident attorney in time will also be vital for securing justice in your case.
What to Do After a Hit-And-Run Accident
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you’re ever involved in a hit-and-run.
Step 1: Remain Calm and Move Your Car to Safety
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, you must remain calm. Staying calm will help you think clearly and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
If possible, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. This will clear up the roadway for others and even help prevent further accidents on the site. If you can’t do so, then turn on your car’s hazard lights to warn any oncoming traffic.
Step 2: Call 911
Next, call the police. Be sure to give them a detailed description of the other vehicle, including its make, model, license plate number, and any other distinguishing features. Once the police arrive, they will take over the investigation and collect information from witnesses.
Make sure to request a copy of the accident report.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle, as well as the surrounding area. Also, reach out to anyone who might’ve witnessed the incident – get their contact information as well. If you have a dashcam or other video footage of the incident, be sure to save that.
This evidence will help you track down the responsible party and get justice for what happened.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention (If Necessary)
It is important to assess the situation and your injuries before taking any action. If you are seriously injured, do not try to move, instead call 911 and ask for emergency medical personnel to be dispatched to your location.
If the other driver does not stop, let the police know and file a report.
Be sure to get the name, address, and phone number of any witnesses (someone might come over to try to help). Get as much information about the other vehicle as possible, including the make, model, and license plate number.
If you can, take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries. If yo
Step 5: File a Police Report Immediately
Filing a police report is important as it will document the incident and help law enforcement identify the responsible party.
To file a police report, you must have the following documentation and information at hand:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A description of the vehicle that fled the scene, including the make, model, year, color, and license plate number (if possible)
- A description of any damage to your vehicle or property
- Any bodily harm that you or your passengers sustained
- Witness contact information (if available)
Step 6: Speak With a Lawyer
Next, you must seek out legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer will protect your rights and help you pursue any compensation that you may be entitled to.
In some cases, the at-fault driver may be unidentified. If this is the case, your lawyer will work with law enforcement to try to track down the responsible party. If the driver is never found, you can file a claim through your uninsured motorist insurance policy.
Don’t try to handle a hit-and-run accident on your own – speak with experienced Buffalo personal injury attorneys today to get started on protecting your rights.
Step 7: Negotiating With the Insurance Company
Settlement negotiations with the insurance company can be a daunting task, especially after being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Buffalo, NY. The keyword here is “compensated,” as it is crucial to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
It may involve several rounds of negotiation and evidence presented to convince the insurer of your rightful claim. You may need to gather receipts, medical bills, and repair estimates as proof of your losses. Having a skilled attorney by your side can make all the difference here.
Insurance adjusters often lowball offers or outright deny claims, so it’s best to let your lawyer take the lead here.
Key Takeaways
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, there are some steps you can take to make sure you handle the situation properly:
- Try to gather evidence and remember all key details.
- If you have a dash cam or another form of video footage, that can be helpful.
- Get the license plate number if you can, and take note of the make, model, and color of the car.
- Call the police; file a report with them so that they can start the investigation.
- See if any witnesses can give you a description of the other car or driver.
- See a doctor if you’re injured, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
- Document everything that happened so you have a clear record of everything.
Let a Qualified Buffalo Car Accident Attorney Help You
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Buffalo, NY, you must seek the help of qualified personal injury attorneys. With their expertise in personal injury law and experience with similar cases, lawyers from our law firm know how to navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Let our accident attorneys help you during this difficult time by providing legal counsel that will ensure your rights are protected and justice is served. We’ll work tirelessly to investigate all possible avenues leading to the identification of the responsible party while building a strong case on your behalf.
Do not delay any further. Call our Buffalo car accident lawyers today for a free consultation!
