What to do after a hit-and-run car accident

Pull your car over to a safe area on the side of the road after you've been in a hit-and-run car accident and call 911. You might have injuries even if you can't see them.

Check for those before you move. Recording any details you remember about the car that hit you will be helpful later.

According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle crashes lead to total costs of $559.3 billion in 2024 alone. There are many cases of drivers hitting others and not even stopping at the scene.

You should be able to recover the loss you suffer after a car crash. Have a lawyer help you file your case.

What Are Common Injuries in a Car Accident?

You might get whiplash because your neck snaps forward and backward very fast during the collision. Wearing a seatbelt helps you avoid being jerked forward.

Try to check for bruises caused by the seatbelt. If there was any glass broken during the crash, it could cause cuts. Go to a hospital for tests to see if you have:

• A concussion
• Broken ribs
• Dislocated joint
• Muscle spasm
• Sprains

Some people fail to go to the hospital because they don't see any blood or bruises on themselves. Internal injuries are dangerous. It's better to go for a check-up if you have a headache or you feel dizzy. Adrenaline can cause you not to feel any pain immediately after a crash.

What Should You Not Say After a Car Accident?

The people you talk to at the scene of the accident will be interviewed if the police later find them there.

You might feel the need to say you're sorry if the crash also involved other people. When insurance companies are trying to figure out who was at fault, they consider your words. You shouldn't apologize because it can lead to lower pain and suffering settlement amounts.

Never give the police any details you're unsure of. Once you provide all the facts, they use them during the investigation to locate the driver who hit you.

Calling a personal injury attorney after being in a crash is important. You'll be able to avoid mistakes that may cost you.

Things to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

A lot of things will rush into your mind, like thinking about how you're going to pay for repairs and medication. Have better control of what happens after a hit-and-run accident in Bonner County by knowing what to do. It's easy to feel confused when you're alone on the road.

Call 911 and Ensure You Get a Police Report

Check if your phone is working and use it to call the police to the scene. People often stop or slow down when they see a car crash.

You can ask for a phone to make a call if yours is broken. 911 operators will alert police officers once you let them know that the other driver fled. Always ensure you get a copy of the police report. It includes:

• Witness statements
• Details about the weather and road conditions
• Description of the damage to your car

Insurance companies use the police report to understand what happened.

Talk to People Who Saw the Crash

Witnesses can notice things you missed after the other driver hit you and fled. Talking to anyone who was walking by or driving behind you will be helpful. Your auto injury lawyer will be able to call witnesses when you get their names and phone numbers.

You might worry that people won't be willing to give such details. There are some who are quick to help when they see someone doing something wrong, like fleeing an accident scene,

Record Everything You Can Remember

If you take notes after the accident, they may be helpful when you file a personal injury compensation claim. Try to write down everything about the other car before you forget. These details help the police find it:

• The type of car it was
• Color
• Description of the driver
• The part of the license plate you caught

Cars often have some unique things, like bumper stickers or modifications. Note those down too.

Take Plenty of Photos and Videos

Call a lawyer like Atty. Jenna Bailey, so you can get the footage from traffic cameras before it gets deleted. Photos are important during claims. If there are paint scuffs from the other vehicle, get a close-up of those colors. Use your phone or some other device to capture the scene from different angles.

Inform Your Insurer

Be honest with your insurer, but also remember not to say anything they can use against you.

You'll be able to ensure the company treats you fairly if you have a personal injury attorney. Ask for advice on the information you should give before you say anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Find a Hit-and-Run Driver?

A witness might have a dashcam video you can use. Police do these things to find people who flee:

• Check traffic cameras
• Request tips on social media
• Ask local body shops to call if they see a car with specific damages

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up After a Crash?

No. Most states protect victims from being punished. A hit-and-run is a crime committed by the other person. You can use your uninsured motorist coverage to pay for the damage. Once a lawyer reads your policy, they'll advise you on what to do.

Should You Call a Lawyer If You Can't Afford One?

Yes. Most injury lawyers won't ask for any payment unless they win money for you. It may be stressful to think about bills when you're still healing and trying to fix your car.

Contingency fees make it easier to get the help you need. You shouldn't be stressed about who will handle your case because you can find someone who works on contingency fees easily.

Navigating a Hit-and-Run Car Crash

Always call the police after a car accident, even if the other driver doesn't leave you with their details. You might feel confused due to injuries like a concussion.

Gathering evidence and calling a lawyer helps you file a claim with enough evidence. By following the right steps, you can stay safe and recover damages later. Explore more advice on dealing with car accidents on our news.

This article was prepared by an independent contributor which helps us continue delivering quality content to our audiences.