You should seek medical attention after a hit and run accident. That said, there are a handful of other steps you’ll want to take after such an incident, one of which is hiring a Marietta car accident lawyer. An attorney will guide you through the aftermath of your accident and the legal process.
With the help of a skilled legal representative, you’ll be able to gather the evidence required to file a strong claim for damages. Let’s take a closer look at what to do after a hit and run accident to stay safe and improve your chances of receiving damages.
Prioritize Your Safety After a Hit and Run Accident
After a hit and run accident, you should do your best to remain calm and prioritize your safety. Start by taking a moment to take a deep breath and then move your car to a secure location, away from traffic, if it is safe to do so.
Avoid chasing the other driver, as this puts you and others in danger. Once you are in a safe spot, call 911 to report the accident and request police assistance. Provide as much detail as possible about the incident, such as the make, model, and color of the fleeing vehicle.
If you are injured and require immediate medical attention, make sure to request an ambulance. You should also check to see if anyone else involved in the accident needs medical treatment. Auto accident injuries sometimes go unnoticed at first, so make sure to see a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine right after the crash.
Write Down What You Remember About the Crash
Having a detailed written account of the hit and run accident helps investigators and your attorney. The more details about your accident that your attorney has, the stronger your claim will be and the more likely you’ll receive damages for your injuries and losses.
After a hit and run accident, make sure to write down as many details as possible. Even if you think you will remember all the important details of the incident from now until you talk to a lawyer, it’s better to have them documented.
Important details to include in your written record include the date, time, and conditions of the accident, as well as the color, make, model, and license plate numbers of the other vehicle. You’ll also want to write down a physical description of the driver if you saw them.
Gather Evidence at the Scene of the Hit and Run Accident
While you should always prioritize getting medical assistance after a hit and run accident, there’s always the chance that your injuries are mild enough that they don’t require immediate medical attention. If that’s the case for you, there are a few steps you should take at the scene of the accident to strengthen your personal injury claim.
First off, you’ll want to take photos of damage to your vehicle, damage to nearby signs and other objects, and any visible bruises or scrapes you’ve sustained due to the incident. Once you’ve taken photographs of the accident scene, you’ll want to speak with anyone who saw what happened.
Ask eye-witnesses what they saw and take down their contact information. Your lawyer will use their testimony later on to build an insurance claim or civil suit for you. Once you’ve taken these steps, you’ll want to see a doctor and get the care you deserve to protect your health.
You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident
Once you’ve sought treatment for any accident-related injuries you’ve suffered and properly documented the hit and run accident, you’ll want to find an attorney to represent you. A lawyer will gather more evidence, build a solid claim on your behalf, and pursue the damages you deserve.
Here’s what a skilled attorney will do to help you after a hit and run:
- Investigate the incident, gather police reports, and collect other forms of evidence
- Construct a strong claim on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement with your own insurance provider
- Take further legal action, if necessary
- Fight for the damages you deserve to cover medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and lost wages
- Offer additional advice on what you should do after a hit and run accident
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney
Suffering injuries and financial losses in a traumatic hit and run accident is devastating. If you’ve been hurt in such an accident, the team at Jones & Swanson is here to help you get the damages and justice you deserve. Our firm has over 45 years of combined experience representing victims of hit and runs and other types of auto-related incidents.
Count on our experience and legal knowledge to guide you toward a settlement that meets your needs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated car accident lawyer. We’ll meet with you to discuss your case and answer any questions you have about what you should do after a hit and run accident.
