Six Steps to Take If You Have Been Injured in a Hit and Run
Experiencing a brutal car crash is common these days and can leave anyone in a disheveled state. From the physical injuries to the mental trauma, there are numerous things that one has to handle after a collision.
In such circumstances, victims often make mistakes, causing their cases to become weak. Undoubtedly, the trauma after a crash is massive, but there are a few precautions one must take if one wants their perpetrator to pay a price.
Here is a list of steps to follow if you've been wounded on the road by another car. Keep in mind that following the right steps after a crash can determine whether you end up getting justice or not.
1. Find a Lawyer
An accident leaves you with multiple injuries, mental trauma, and permanent problems in your life. Since you went through so much pain, you deserve to file a case in court for which a lawyer is a necessity.
According to experienced personal injury attorneys at Costello Law Firm, "Hiring an attorney is crucial for your case because these people protect your rights in court."
They file your claim, prepare you for your testimony, and even gather supporting evidence to back your claim. Most importantly, your attorney is the only person who can help you determine the right value of your claim. They judge your injuries and decide whether your case is worth a few thousand or more.
2. Try to Identify the Driver at Fault
There is a chance that the driver who caused your accident will flee the scene. That is why it's crucial to remember as much information about the vehicle and the driver as possible.
From the car's model to its number and color, notice all possible details. If you remember the specific information, it can help officers catch the driver quickly. Moreover, try memorizing the driver's facial features to recognize them later.
3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
When you've collected all possible information on the person at fault, seek medical attention. Even if your injuries are not extensive, one should still let the paramedic give them a thorough check.
There might be hidden internal injuries that are not evident initially but put your life at risk. Therefore, let the paramedics on the site handle minor injuries and later get a full body checkup at the nearest hospital. In the future, these checkups and reports could lead you to victory in court.
4. Call the Police and File a Report
In no circumstances should a victim leave the crime scene. A few people try to chase the driver at fault or leave the crime scene before the police arrive. Well, never flee the situation, as it makes your case more complicated.
After a crash, remain near your vehicle, call the police, and wait. Once an officer reaches, tell them about the incident and any relevant details, including the driver's description or their license plate number.
You should leave the place after the officer has filed a report. Also, don't forget to obtain a copy of the incident report.
5. Gather Proof for Your Case
When hit by another vehicle on the road, you will definitely end up hurt. In such a condition, you won't be able to think properly, but you should be present-minded because this is the point where everything can go wrong.
Some victims feel that having visible injuries and a damaged car is enough to prove their case, but that's a misconception. You need witnesses and solid proof to get justice in court.
Therefore, the minute you've filed your report and narrated the events to the police officers on site, try to speak with witnesses. Anyone who saw the crash can testify in court and make your case stronger.
Even if you can't have lengthy conversations, try to take the addresses and names of people present around the crash. Later, your lawyers can connect with these people and have them speak in court.
Similarly, photographic evidence or surveillance footage of the incident are also crucial pieces of proof. The more authentic the proofs, the stronger the case you have.
6. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Whenever you end up hurt in an accident, you will need medical attention, resulting in extensive bills. On top of that, if you've sustained injuries that require a few months of physiotherapy, the costs multiply.
If the verdict is in your favor, the party-at-faults insurance team will compensate all your bills. However, it's also advisable to notify your insurance provider within time.
In case, the person at fault runs away, your insurance provider will be responsible for clearing all the medical bills. So, call your insurance company to let them assess the scene and begin processing your claim.
Conclusion
Predicting a hit-and-run accident or any other type of crash is impossible. That's why one should be mentally prepared to handle themselves after witnessing a crash.
By following the steps mentioned in the guide, a victim can successfully get justice and compensation from the negligent driver. It's another individual's fault, and they should fully pay for it.
