If the at-fault driver flees the scene, you should seek medical attention, notify the authorities, and take several other steps. You should also speak to a Marietta car accident lawyer about the best course of legal action. An experienced attorney will assess your situation, build a strong claim on your behalf, and fight for the damages you deserve.
No matter how serious your injuries and losses are, a skilled legal representative will provide the support you deserve to make it through this difficult time. That said, before you hire a lawyer, you’ll want to take several important steps. Let’s take a closer look at what you should do after the at-fault driver flees the scene of an accident.
Do Not Chase the At-Fault Driver
If you’re asking yourself what you should do if the at-fault driver flees the scene, you should also consider what you shouldn‘t do after a hit-and-run. One of the biggest mistakes you should avoid making is chasing the driver.
After a hit-and-run accident, your first instinct might be to follow the fleeing driver, but this is dangerous for several reasons. First and foremost, pursuing a driver who is attempting to flee the accident scene puts you and others at risk.
Increased Danger and Legal Issues
Speeding and driving erratically in pursuit of the other vehicle could result in additional accidents, making an already bad situation much worse. Trying to chase the fleeing driver could also escalate the situation, as the driver could become aggressive.
Another important reason not to chase the at-fault driver is the potential legal implications. Even though you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, reckless or aggressive driving on your part could complicate your case or lead to further legal issues. Instead of following the driver, focus on staying safe and prioritizing medical attention if you’ve suffered any auto accident injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always be your top priority after an accident, even when the at-fault driver flees the scene. Even if you don’t feel pain or seem injured right away, you should seek medical care. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms for hours or even days after the accident.
Visiting a doctor as soon as possible will not only protect your well-being but will also generate a documented record of your injuries. Your attorney will use this medical documentation to strengthen your claim for damages. Receiving early treatment can also prevent unwanted complications and improve your chances of making a full physical recovery.
Once you’ve gotten the treatment you deserve, you’ll want to keep copies of all medical records, bills, and prescriptions related to your treatment. Once you’ve hired an attorney, provide them with all the bills and records you’ve received. They’ll use the information and evidence you provide to get the settlement you deserve to get back on your feet.
You Should Call the Police if the At-Fault Driver Flees the Scene
If the at-fault driver flees the scene, you should seek medical care promptly. That said, if your injuries don’t require immediate medical attention, there are a few steps you should take before you see a doctor. The first thing you’ll want to do is call the police and tell them what happened.
Make sure to tell law enforcement officers about the make, model, license plate number, and any other details you remember of the at-fault driver’s vehicle. You’ll also want to tell the police where and when the incident occurred. The police will respond to the scene of the accident and file a report.
Law Enforcement Investigation and the Police Report
Once law enforcement has arrived at the scene, they’ll conduct an investigation and gather information for the incident report. When speaking with law enforcement, provide them with all the details you’ve gathered, including any descriptions of the vehicle and driver, as well as the direction in which the car fled.
You should also request a copy of the police report for your own records. Your attorney will use a copy of the report to support your claim for damages. Reach out to a lawyer soon to learn more about what to do if the at-fault driver flees the scene.
Gather Information from the Accident Scene
While obtaining a copy of the police report will help your claim, gathering information for yourself at the scene of the incident is also helpful. Remember, if you are seriously hurt, don’t worry about gathering information at the accident scene. Instead, call an ambulance and get the help you deserve.
However, if you’re able, you should gather information at the scene of the collision to help your case. Take the following steps to document the incident and improve your chances of getting the damages you deserve:
- Write down information about the at-fault driver and their vehicle
- Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Take photos of any cuts, scrapes, bruises, or other visible injuries you’ve sustained
- Talk to anyone who witnessed the incident and take down their contact information
If you’re unable to gather all these details, don’t panic. Even a few pieces of information, such as the color of the car, will make a difference in your case. An attorney will use the information you collect to strengthen your claim. Consult with a lawyer to learn more about the steps you should take if the at-fault driver flees the scene.
Document Your Losses and Accident-Related Challenges
Hit-and-run accidents often result in serious injuries, medical expenses, chronic pain, and a handful of other unwanted outcomes. The good news is that you can pursue damages for these losses. However, your attorney must file a well-supported claim to get the money you deserve.
To help your attorney build a strong claim, you should keep a journal of all the non-economic struggles you experience due to your injuries and the trauma of the accident. For example, if you experience any emotional distress, physical pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other emotional issues, making a record of it will help your attorney when they pursue damages.
Don’t Post on Social Media About Your Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, especially one in which the at-fault driver fled the scene, you’ll probably want to tell your friends and loved ones what happened. While keeping your loved ones in the loop is perfectly acceptable after an accident, it’s wise not to publish any online posts about the incident.
That’s because anything you post or make public about the crash could be used against your claim. For example, if you admit fault or say something that contradicts the information in your claim, it could be used to stop you from getting the damages you deserve to get back on your feet.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
When an at-fault driver flees the scene of an accident, you should hire an attorney who has experience with hit-and-run cases. Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident is overwhelming, especially when serious injuries and property damage are in the picture.
A skilled lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and options. They will also assist with negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If the at-fault driver is identified, your attorney will work hard to hold them accountable for your injuries and losses.
How an Attorney will Help You
If you’ve suffered injuries or losses in an accident that the at-fault driver fled from, hiring a lawyer will help you in many ways. Here’s what an attorney will do to get the justice and damages you’re owed after a hit-and-run accident:
- Investigate the accident you were involved in
- Gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, photos of the accident scene, and accident reconstructionist statements
- Advise you on who pays for a hit-and-run accident
- Build a strong claim for damages
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Fight for the damages you deserve to move forward
- Keep you updated and answer questions throughout your case
Learn About the Damages You Could Receive
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you could be entitled to various types of damages. An attorney will review the details of your accident, injuries, and losses and determine which forms of damages you deserve. Your lawyer will calculate how much your claim is worth and pursue every last penny of money you’re owed.
Depending on your unique situation, you could be eligible to receive a variety of helpful damages including, but not limited to:
Medical Bills
These damages will cover any expenses you’ve incurred for medical care your injury requires. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic tests, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments deemed necessary by healthcare professionals.
If the at-fault driver fled the scene of your accident, reach out to a lawyer today to learn more about pursuing damages for your current and future medical bills.
Lost Wages
Hit-and-run accidents often leave you with injuries that take a long time to recover from. As a result, you’ll likely have to take time off from work and have trouble supporting yourself without your regular wages. Luckily, a skilled attorney will pursue money for your lost wages.
When you hire an attorney, make sure to provide them with documents like previous paystubs so they can calculate how much you’re owed from lost wages. With a lawyer’s help, you’ll get the financial support you deserve to make it through this difficult time.
Decreased Earning Capacity
When the at-fault driver flees the scene, it frequently takes longer for accident victims to get the medical treatment they deserve. This commonly results in more serious injuries and complications that stop victims from working at their previous jobs.
If you’ve suffered lasting injuries that impact your ability to earn a living, you’ll want to hire an attorney and pursue damages. A lawyer will fight for the money you deserve to make up for your reduction in earning capacity and support your recovery process.
Vehicle Repair Costs
Hit-and-run accidents often involve serious vehicle damage that might cost a fortune to fix or total your car completely. You will typically use the money you receive from an insurance claim to repair or even replace your vehicle. You should hold on to any receipts or documents you receive when paying for your vehicle repairs and hand them over to your attorney.
Pain and Suffering
Whether you’ve suffered whiplash, broken bones, or a catastrophic injury, you deserve money for the physical pain you’ve endured. These damages help you cope with the pain and discomfort you’ve experienced due to the accident.
Documenting your pain and telling your lawyer about the pain you’re feeling will ensure you get the appropriate amount of money. Reach out to an attorney today to learn more about pursuing damages for pain after an accident that the at-fault driver fled from.
Emotional Distress
When a driver violently collides with your car and then flees the accident scene, it might leave you with a serious psychological impact. Accidents like these frequently result in emotional distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. These damages will give you the support you deserve to cope with the emotional impact of the incident.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Trusted Car Accident Attorney
Moving forward after a hit-and-run accident is incredibly difficult, especially if you’re dealing with painful injuries. Fortunately, the attorneys at Jones & Swanson are here to pursue the damages you deserve to cover medical bills, replace income losses, and get back to your regular way of life.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options. Our team has over 50 years of combined legal experience. We’ve also recovered over $50 million in case results for clients just like you. You will have peace of mind knowing you’re represented by an experienced team of attorneys with a track record of success.
