Being in a car accident is never fun. But it's even worse when the other driver takes off without giving you their information. Drivers have a legal responsibility to remain at the scene to provide needed information to sort out fault.
If a hit-and-run happens to you, don't panic. There are steps you can take to protect yourself, both legally and financially. Here's what you need to know after an accident.
Hit-and-Run Facts and Figures
Though state laws vary, drivers are expected to stay at the scene of an accident unless it is unsafe to do so. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents remain common as drivers take off without exchanging information or — even worse — making sure that no one has been seriously injured.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2,872 hit-and-run fatalities in 2021, an increase of 11% over the previous year. And it's not just drivers at risk. Looking at all pedestrian fatalities on the roads, 24% were in a hit-and-run crash. The stats are similar for bicycle fatalities, as 22% were in a hit-and-run crash.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run
With hit-and-runs on the rise, you need to know how to handle the situation if it happens to you.
1. Gather as Much Information as You Can
This can be hard when you're in shock from having been in an accident, but try your best to catch the license plate number of the other car, as well as its make, model, and color. The more information you can give to the police later on, the better chance you have of finding the other driver in the accident.
If you have a dashboard camera, you may be able to use the footage. Otherwise, if you can snap a photo on your phone before the other driver is completely out of sight, it will be a big help.
2. Move to a Safe Place
If your vehicle is still operational, move it to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. Once you're parked safely out of the way of traffic, turn on your hazard lights. If your car isn't operational, don't put yourself in harm's way in an attempt to push your car out of the road. Your personal safety should be your number one concern.
3. Call the Police
Never try to chase down the other driver, as a confrontation could put you in danger. Instead, call the police and wait for them to arrive. If you or anyone in your car have experienced personal injury and need immediate medical attention, call 911 and speak with the operator.
4. Fill Out a Police Report
When the police arrive, they'll ask you to fill out a police report detailing the specifics of the accident. Share any information you were able to gather about the other vehicle and driver. It will also be helpful for you to explain exactly what happened and point out any evidence of damage, skid marks, and traffic signs that could be important for your case. If there were any witnesses, they may be able to contribute valuable information as well.
5. Call Your Insurance Company
Finally, you need to call your insurance company to file an accident report. Depending on your insurance coverage, you'll need to pay the deductible for repairs to your vehicle. The insurance company can help with this, and you may need to submit the police report and photos of the damage to help bolster your case. In some states, it's possible to add uninsured motorist coverage to your policy for additional protection in the event of a hit-and-run.
Be Ready for a Hit and Run
No one plans to be the victim of a hit-and-run driver, but knowing what to do in this scenario can help keep you calm and get the help you need. Planning ahead to have proper insurance coverage will also help you avoid any financial fallout from this type of accident. If you need to increase your coverage, take an online driver education course to earn an insurance discount that will keep your costs down.
Updated 11/30/23