While avoiding a crash is the best option for those who regularly travel in motor vehicles, collisions are a common occurrence despite people’s best efforts. Even the most fastidious driver could end up injured in a wreck caused by a distracted driver or someone else making irresponsible choices in traffic.
When crashes occur, the best-case scenario involves a motorist admitting fault and carrying adequate insurance to compensate the other people involved. Unfortunately, some people might do just about anything to avoid legal and financial responsibility for causing a wreck. Some people lie to the police about what happened. Others flee the scene of a crash.
Those involved in hit-and-run wrecks often have a difficult path ahead of them as they seek accountability for a wreck. The three steps below can help protect those involved in hit-and-run collisions.
Document everything quickly
If a motorist has a dashboard camera installed in their vehicle, they may be able to capture video footage of the other driver’s vehicle which could help track them down later. Otherwise, people may want to take their phones out to record the driver leaving the scene or to start documenting as much as they can recall.
Noting details about the vehicle, its driver and its movements immediately before and after the crash can be important. Memory begins to fade quickly after a high-stress incident. The more people can commit to writing or capture through recordings, the easier it may be for them to prove who was at fault later.
File a police report
State law requires that those involved in collisions stop to check on one another and then report the matter to local authorities. The driver who left the scene has likely committed a misdemeanor crime by doing so. The other parties involved in the crash need to remain at the scene of the collision and wait for law enforcement. A crash report can help them as they seek compensation later. It also triggers a police investigation. Officers may be able to track down the driver at fault.
Explore every option for compensation
If police officers can identify the driver who caused the crash, then the other people involved have several options. They may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage. If the driver tried to avoid identification because they drove without insurance, then a personal injury lawsuit might be possible.
If police officers do not identify the driver at fault, the motorist may have the option of using their own insurance policy to cover certain costs. Drivers who carry extra coverage can use non-liability insurance coverage after a hit-and-run collision.
Frequently, those trying to check in on a police investigation, review insurance paperwork or pursue a lawsuit need support. People harmed in hit-and-run crash scenarios may need legal assistance as they try to limit their losses, and that’s okay.