Here’s what you should do if you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident.
An accident is considered a hit-and-run any time an involved driver flees the scene of the accident. Unfortunately, these types of accidents can occur so quickly that you may not have time to react. This is why it’s important that you stay calm and handle the situation responsibly. Here are some of the things you should do to deal with a hit-and-run.
Do Not Chase After the Driver
While it might be tempting, it’s important that you do not attempt to pursue the hit-and-run driver. Chasing the other
driver will likely cause you to drive recklessly, placing yourself and other innocent parties at risk. Additionally, the driver that you are chasing after might also be dangerous, and chasing after him/her might also be putting yourself in danger. Instead of chasing after the other driver, safely pull off the road and check to make sure that you and your passengers are all okay.
Contact the Police
Even if you do not feel like you have anything to report, you should still call the police. Having a police report recording the incident will help you with your insurance claim process. When the police arrive at the scene, explain what happened but leave the authorities to handle things from there. Allow them to assess the situation without interfering, assigning blame, or admitting fault.
Try to Recall the Details
After the accident, you will likely feel very overwhelmed. However, it’s important that you collect yourself and try to remember as many details about the accident as possible. For instance, try to remember the color of the car, the state on the license plate, and any physical attributes of the other driver. If you have a passenger, ask them what they recall as well. Remember, any detail, no matter how seemingly minor, can be helpful.
These are some of the things you should do to handle a hit-and-run accident. While there isn’t much you can do to prevent hit-and-runs, having the right auto insurance can help you cover the damages or injuries you might suffer as a result of the accident. To get the right auto insurance to meet your needs, contact the experts at Scautub Agency in Scotia, New York. We are ready to get you the coverage that you need today.