Any kind of car crash is frightening, even if it is just a fender-bender. However, hit and run accidents are some of the most frustrating, particularly if you are the victim.
Watching the car that hit you drive off and turn a corner can be very frustrating. Fortunately, there are some actions you can take to better your standing in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident. According to State Farm Insurance, the most important thing is to stay put and not drive off after the culprit.
Why should I not go after the culprit?
It is highly likely that your hit-and-run accident has at least one eyewitness. If you drive off after the culprit, this may confuse eyewitnesses. They will not know who is responsible for the accident. Staying put and taking stock of the situation will help you get solid eyewitness accounts.
Additionally, if anybody sustained injury as a result of the hit-and-run accident, it is important to call 911. If there are no injuries, make sure to call the non-emergency police number to file a police report. This is important for legal and insurance-related reasons.
Should I talk to the eyewitnesses?
Yes, for multiple reasons. Remember that most people are walking around with smartphones, which means that the average person has a camera on them. It is possible that an eyewitness got a photo of the culprit, or, even better, the license plate of the culprit. This will make it much easier for the police to locate the perpetrator.
Getting eyewitness accounts can also help you with insurance after the fact. Having clear evidence that you are the victim is vital.