A hit and run auto accident can be a very traumatic experience. It's necessary to understand what to do to protect yourself and ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. We'll discuss what you need to do if you experience such an event.
1. Try to Get the License Plate Number
If you can get the car's license plate number that hit you, it will be much easier to track down the driver and hold them responsible for the accident. Suppose the accident has incapacitated you temporarily; best to stay in place until the paramedics arrive. If you have a dashcam, you have a better chance to nail the perpetrator.
2. Call 911 Right Away
With a collected mind, attempt to contact 911. Describe your condition & avoid panicking. You may feel dazed & disoriented. Request assistance & be cooperative so the authorities can assist you properly. Your call will also act as your alibi in the event the perpetrator attempts to take unfair legal action.
3. Seek Medical Attention
If you've been harmed in a hit and run, it's important to state for the record on a 911 call. Even if your wounds seem inconsequential, it's always best to be checked out by a doctor. But entertain the possibility of blunt force trauma and avoid moving until the paramedics arrive.
4. Inquire About Witnesses
If you couldn't get a good look at the other driver, don't worry. There's a chance that someone else saw the accident or that your dashcam recorded the event. Talk to people in the area at the time of the accident and see if anyone remembers seeing anything. Even if there were no direct witnesses, someone might have seen the other driver's car leaving the scene.
5. Notify Your Insurance Agency
Your insurance company will need to know about the hit and run as soon as possible. They may have their process for dealing with hit and runs, so you must notify them immediately. They will require you to submit the police report of the accident, so be sure to have a copy for their record.
6. Take Your Vehicle to a Reliable Garage
Once you've notified your insurance company, it's time to take your vehicle to a reliable garage. If your auto were damaged in the accident, the garage would be able to evaluate the deterioration and give you an estimation for repairs.
GOScH Collision, serving Murrieta, CA, is a full-service auto body repair shop offering superior car body repair services for years. We are proud to be the preferred choice for many major insurance companies. We offer a wide range of services, including:
- Complete auto body repair
- Auto glass replacement and repairs
- Paintless dent repair
- Complete frame repairs
- And much more!
If you have been the victim of a hit and run or any other car accident, we can help. We'll work with your insurance company to ensure that your car is restored to its pre-accident condition.
It's important to follow your insurance company's instructions for repairs. Some companies will insist you use a certain garage, while others will give you the freedom to choose your own.