Suffering An Injury From A Hit & Run - What Now?
If you’re the victim, then you should immediately consult a personal injury attorney. If you haven’t already done that, here’s what you need to know!
What to do immediately after the hit and run accident
When you’re the victim in a hit and run, it’s not really any different than if you’d been hit by an uninsured driver--a situation that can be equally terrifying, and similarly leaves even responsible drivers prone to fits of emotion. When the accident occurs, take care of yourself first and foremost. Here are the things you should do if you’re able:
1. Take a breath and assess the situation. Even though this is a horrible situation, a deep breath and calm demeanor can be your best friends. Since you can’t exchange insurance information with the other driver, your first order of business is to call the police.
2. Let the police know you plan to enlist the help of a lawyer. When the other driver flees the scene, you don’t need to worry as much about mistakenly being found at fault, but you should still limit the information you provide to the authorities. All they really need to know are the basics: the make and model of the other vehicle, and the extent of your own injuries. If they offer to call for medical assistance and you haven’t yet done it yourself, then let them help.
3. Document the damage. After the hit and run accident, don’t just think of photographing the damage to your automobile. Make sure you think of yourself, too! The injuries you sustained should be photographed as quickly as possible--preferably both before and after treatment. Thereafter, you should photograph the injuries with each day that passes until you’re fully healed.
4. Keep a journal. Grab yourself a three-ring binder and fill it with paper and a folder. Use the folder to gather all the evidence you’ve procured. Use it to store photographs of your vehicle and injuries. Keep track of any related bills, medical and otherwise.
On top of that, start keeping tabs on your own thoughts and feelings during this ordeal. What you think and feel during a period of emotional turmoil can be especially beneficial. This opens you up to additional compensation, and is the best case scenario!
5. Call your personal injury lawyer. While you’re collecting all of this information, reach out to personal injury attorneys. Free consultations are often provided in order to help potential clients get an idea of a lawyer’s background and level of experience (without any obligation to hire), and they can help you find a lawyer with whom you personally connect.
Although you’ll want to spend a little bit of time researching, make sure you don’t wait too long. The faster you get yourself legal help, the faster you’ll get answers when questions arise--and the faster you’ll get compensated for your physical, emotional, and financial tolls.
If you’re unable to do any of these things because you’re injured, then refer a family member or friend to complete the tasks for you. It’s important you stay protected while your lawyer, insurance provider, and the authorities all collaborate to figure out the truth in what happened. Of course, it’s your lawyer whose goal it is to get you the best possible outcome.
What your insurance will do
Although the purpose of insurance is ultimately to help you when accidents happen, don’t forget that insurance providers will almost always do whatever it takes to keep you from getting financial compensation, especially when the other party’s insurance doesn’t exist or can’t pay in full.
In the case of a hit and run, the other party’s insurance provider doesn’t exist. The best case scenario for you is that your policy has uninsured motorist coverage. This is most often used when the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have insurance, but it is also used when hit and run accidents occur. A personal injury attorney will ensure that your insurance provider is granted access to the information it needs and only the information it needs. If your insurance providers asks you to sign a document or provide information, wait until you have consulted with your counsel.
That way, you won’t accidentally grant your insurance provider information that could damage your claim or reduce the amount of financial compensation you deserve.
When you’re injured in a hit and run, the main thing is don’t worry! Help is available to you every step of the way, and you have the means to recover your losses.
Post by: Randall F. Rogersa personal injury lawyer, practices in Marietta, outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
Tags : Torts and Negligence Law