Hit-and-run accidents are one of the most unnerving occurrences that can take place, and it takes the guidance of a San Diego personal injury lawyer to help you get through such a situation. Anytime a driver hits another vehicle (whether or not it is occupied) and leaves the scene before notifying the authorities or providing information to the other driver or owner of the other car, it is deemed a hit-and-run. There are several reasons a hit-and-run can take place, the driver could be under the influence, the driver may lack insurance or simply not want to face the consequences, the driver may be driving illegally, or he or she may simply want to avoid contact with law enforcement.
Whatever the reason, drivers are required by law to stop if there is an accident. Drivers leaving the scene of an accident without stopping can face serious consequences, especially when another driver is present. Hit-and-run accidents are scary, and it can be hard to know what to do when something so unexpected happens. The more details you can give to authorities, the better the chances of finding the other driving and holding them accountable.
Below are some important steps to follow if you are ever the victim of a hit-and-run:
Remain calm and park your car somewhere safe.
Call 911 immediately and ask for police to come to the scene.
If necessary, seek medical attention.
Write down or record as many details as possible. You may think you will remember it clearly, but it is best to have documentation. Record important details like the date, time, and location of the accident. Additionally write down any information you remember from the car, including the make, model, color, and license plate of the other vehicle, as well as anything you may have seen of the driver.
Seek out witnesses and get their contact information. In hit-and-run cases, witnesses can be especially important.
Take pictures of your vehicle and the scene of the accident.
Discuss details of the accident and scene only with law enforcement, not with insurance.
Insurance companies can be tricky to deal with in hit-and-run cases. It is important to report the accident to your insurance company, but do not make any formal statements without first consulting an attorney After speaking to a personal injury lawyer in the La Mesa area, allow your lawyer to speak with the insurance on your behalf.
Being injured in a car accident can have a massive effect on your life in many ways, so be sure to get an expert personal injury lawyer in San Marcos on your side. To find out more information about hit-and-run accidents, or to get answers to any other questions and set up a free consultation, call American Bar Association member Brett Geruntino, Esq. at Acclaim Law Group at (858)252-0781.
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