Hit and Runs: What Victims Need to Know

Almost all of us know the shocking, sometimes gut-wrenching feeling of being in a car accident. If it’s your own fault, you might be straddled with guilt. But when another car hits you, it can be anything from a minor inconvenience to a life-changing disaster.

As if getting into an accident wasn’t bad enough, sometimes the driver that hit you will flee the scene, never to be seen again. How can you possibly get justice if the person who caused the accident has left without facing the consequences?

We’ve gotten justice for numerous victims of hit-and-run accidents, and we can do the same for you. Below we share some of our expert knowledge about this awful occurrence.

What is a hit and run?

A hit and run is any accident

in which “a vehicle hits a person, object or vehicle and the driver knowingly leaves the scene without providing their information.” (Source) This is an important distinction because it’s not always a car hitting another on the road than driving away. Allstate once reported that the majority of hit and runs involve a parked car, with the perpetrator leaving as if nothing happened. Sadly, a hit and run can also involve a car hitting a pedestrian then leaving the scene.

Why do people do it?

Perpetrators of a hit and run can leave the scene for multiple reasons:

  • They don’t have car insurance
  • Their driving record is already spotty
  • They have a significant criminal record
  • They simply do not want to face the consequences of their actions

What should I do immediately?

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, pull over to a safe place and call the police. Just because someone left the scene of the crime does not mean you should as well. If you got a look at the car, write down every single detail you remember about the vehicle. You should also record the time and location of the accident and take as many pictures as you can of the damage to your vehicle.

If your vehicle was hit in a parking lot and you did not see it happen, take pictures of the damage and see if there is anyone around who may have witnessed it.

When the police arrive, file a police report or an accident claim. This is an important step because “the official accident report will help police look for the missing driver and will be useful when you file your accident claim,” according to State Farm.

Do I need a lawyer?

If you are seriously injured after a hit-and-run accident, then yes, you should contact a lawyer. Lawyers will help by looking over the accident claim, police report, witness statements, and all other information surrounding the incident. Your lawyer will be your advocate and get you the justice you deserve. We have gotten victims hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation after being involved in a hit and run. We’ve worked directly with all the major insurance companies in the country, so we can assess your best options.

Will my insurance go up?

No. If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, your insurance rates won’t go up.

How likely is it that the driver will be caught?

This depends on multiple factors:

  • Reliable eye-witnesses who were on the scene
  • The number of cameras surrounding the area
  • The amount of information you were able to remember and write down about the other vehicle

Hit and run accidents that resulted in serious bodily injuries are usually investigated with more priority, and so the driver is more likely to be caught.

Have you been a victim of a hit and run driver? If this is the case, reach out to us. We can review the details of your case and assess your options. You deserve justice!

Leave a Comment