Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience, but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, it can leave you feeling even more helpless and alone. Hit-and-run accidents are not only illegal but also leave victims with the added challenge of seeking compensation without knowing the identity of the responsible party.
If you have been injured by a hit-and-run driver, it is natural to feel angry, frustrated, and unsure of where to turn for help. Here are the steps that you should take after a hit-and-run accident to protect your health and move forward.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Check for Injuries
Your immediate priority after any accident is your safety and well-being. If possible, move yourself and your vehicle out of harm’s way to avoid any further collisions. Once you are safe, take a moment to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if you feel okay initially, some injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding may not present symptoms right away, so seek medical care right away.
Step 2: Try to Record Information About the Fleeing Driver
If the at-fault driver is fleeing the scene, do your best to gather any identifying information about their vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number. Even a partial plate number can aid investigators and injury attorneys in Kansas City handling your claim. If you notice any distinguishing features about the driver, like their gender, hair color, or clothing, make a mental note. However, never chase after the fleeing vehicle—this could put you in danger.
Step 3: Call 911 and Report the Accident and the Driver
Contact law enforcement immediately to report the hit-and-run accident. Provide the dispatcher with your location, the direction the fleeing vehicle was heading, and any identifying details you were able to gather. When the police arrive, cooperate fully, give them your statement, and request a copy of the accident report—this document will be very important for your future insurance claim or lawsuit.
Step 4: Document the Scene and Gather Evidence, If You Can
If you are not seriously injured and it is safe to do so, use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and any relevant road markings or traffic signs. Collect contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the fleeing vehicle; their testimony could help identify the hit-and-run driver. If any businesses are nearby, make note of them; they may have surveillance cameras that could have captured the incident.
Step 5: Seek Medical Attention, Even for Minor Injuries
Even if you feel fine, get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. Seeking treatment not only protects your health but also creates a record linking your injuries to the hit-and-run accident. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
Step 6: Contact a Kansas City Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Once you have sought medical care for your injuries, seek legal representation as soon as possible. A Kansas City hit-and-run accident lawyer will have the time and resources to conduct a thorough investigation and identify the at-fault driver. They can also help you pursue other avenues of compensation, such as uninsured motorist claims.
At Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe, our investigative resources and deep legal knowledge can make all the difference in your case. Contact us at (816) 876-2600 today and trust our attorneys to put their 100+ years of combined experience to work for you.