You Have Been in a Hit and Run Accident! — Now What?
By: Bruce Skaug Published: April 17, 2015
A car accident is stressful. When it’s a hit and run, it’s even worse because the person who caused the crash takes off. Whether anyone was injured or not, you may feel shaken and stuck with repairs, rental cars, and insurance headaches.
A hit and run happens when the other driver leaves the scene. Sometimes they’re scared, uninsured, or simply don’t want to deal with the situation. Whatever the reason, you shouldn’t be left paying for damage or medical care that wasn’t your fault. Quick action after a hit and run can protect your health, your claim, and your wallet.
Knowing what to do next matters. If you want to speak with someone right away, contact us today. There is never a charge for initial consultations.
How an Attorney Can Help After a Hit and Run
Figuring out the right next step can be hard, especially while you’re still dealing with the shock of the crash. If you’re unsure, talking with an attorney can help you avoid mistakes that hurt your claim.
If the other driver can’t be found (or turns out to be uninsured), you may need legal help to sort out your options. Insurance companies—yours or the other driver’s—may resist paying what you believe is fair.
An attorney can assist with police-related insurance issues, auto repair questions, possible medical bills, and potential civil claims. If you want to speak with a qualified attorney on your first call, contact us today.
5 Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
It’s common to wonder what to do if a car hits you and drives off. Whatever you do, don’t chase the driver. Focus on safety and on capturing the details that help law enforcement and your insurer.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the crash created a dangerous road situation. Safety comes first.
- Write down the license plate number (even partial), or anything you remember about the vehicle and driver: make, model, color, direction of travel, and any identifying marks.
- Talk to witnesses and collect contact info. Witnesses may have seen details you missed.
- Record details of the incident with photos and notes: time, location, road conditions, and damage. Save these for both police and insurance.
- Wait for the police and report the crash. Many hit and runs must be reported within 24 hours for insurance purposes. Ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and phone number.
If you’re directed to a collision reporting center, follow instructions and keep your notes. If the damage seems “minor,” still document everything. Small issues can turn into big repair bills.
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Hit and Run Accident
File your insurance claim as soon as you can. Insurers often have deadlines. Missing a deadline can reduce or block compensation.
How you pursue payment depends on whether the driver is found and whether they have coverage. If the driver is located and insured, you may be able to file a claim with their insurer for crash-related losses.
One of the main reasons hit and run drivers flee is lack of insurance. If the driver can’t be found, you may need to use your own policy coverage, depending on what you carry. Review your policy terms and talk with counsel if you’re unsure.
Contact Us
Contact us today and speak to a qualified lawyer on your first call. We never charge for initial consultations. A hit and run can leave you without a clear person to hold accountable, which often makes insurers harder to deal with. Getting legal support early can help.
Call (208) 410-4736.
Serving Nampa, Meridian, and Caldwell
Skaug Law serves clients across the Treasure Valley. If you’re searching for Accident Attorneys Nampa ID, Accident Lawyers Meridian ID, or Personal Injury Attorneys Meridian ID, our team can review your situation and explain next steps.
