Hit and Run Accidents – What to Do
Do not leave the scene of a Hit and Run accident.
Never leave the scene of a hit and run accident. Whenever a person is involved in a car accident the law requires that they remain at the scene of the accident to share information with the other driver including name, address and insurance carrier. This is true for all accidents, no matter how serious they are.
A person who leaves the accident scene without complying with the law would face various penalties. If the accident involves only property damage to the vehicles, they could be charged with a traffic violation which could result in a fine, points on their license, and up to 15 days in jail.
If the accident results in an injury the charge could be elevated to a B misdemeanor and up to 90 days in jail. If the accident results in a serious injury the person would face an E class felony charge and up to 4 years in state prison.
Never leave the scene of an accident without stopping and complying with the law, even if the accident was your fault. It will only make matters worse.
However, not everybody follows that advice.
When someone leaves the scene of an accident without stopping and providing the necessary information it is known as a Hit and Run accident. What should you do if you are in an accident and the other driver does not remain at the scene or provide you with the information you need?
- The very first thing you should do is get the license plate number of the other vehicle. In many instances after an accident there is at least enough time to do that. Write it down or put it somewhere in your phone so you don’t forget it. If the other driver leaves before speaking with you the license plate number will allow your lawyer to identify the car, the owner, the insurance carrier, and much of the other information needed to bring a claim.
- If possible, take a picture of the other car with your cell phone. Try to include the license plate in at least one of the pictures as well as the make and model of the car. Again, this will assist your lawyer greatly in his investigation.
- Try to get a picture of the driver before they leave. If the owner of the car was driving this would prevent him or her from later claiming that somebody “stole his car” or that some other unauthorized person was driving at the time of the accident.
- Report the accident immediately to the police. You can do this by phone while you’re still at the scene. If for some reason you can’t remain at the scene go to the nearest police precinct and report it. You want to make sure that a police accident report is filled out ASAP. Sometimes it takes a few days for the report to be completed but you should continue to follow up with them until it is done, and you can pick it up.
Finally, you should contact an attorney immediately so he can undertake an immediate investigation. It is always better to do this as soon as possible, especially when injured in a Hit and Run accident.
Our personal injury law firm handles Hit and Run accidents.
We are experienced with the law as it applies to Hit and Run cases. If you are injured in a Hit and Run accident contact an experienced personal injury law firm in Buffalo – the Multerer Law Firm – immediately for a free consultation.