The shock of a sudden car crash can be frightening. One moment you are cruising down a busy highway, and the next you are sitting in a damaged car on the shoulder – with the at-fault vehicle speeding away.
Hit-and-run accidents can be stressful for drivers, and they can leave you wondering: what happens next?
Three things to do after a hit-and-run
It always bears repeating: the first thing you must do after any kind of accident is obtain medical attention. Your health is of the utmost importance, and you must ensure you get the medical care you need for any injuries as soon as possible.
You must seek medical attention, but what other steps should you take after a hit-and-run accident? In these cases, you should:
- Call the police: This is an important step. Usually, if you call 911 after an accident, the police will show up along with the ambulance. You should file an accident report with the police, especially since it is required by law to file an accident report if the crash resulted in death, injury or serious damage. Additionally, leaving the scene of an accident is a felony in Pennsylvania. Involving the police can mean there is a better chance of tracking down the reckless driver and holding them responsible.
- Write down what you can remember: Accidents happen so fast, it can be difficult to remember the details. However, this is an important step to take after an accident. Write down anything you can remember, such as the license plate number, the color or model of the vehicle as well as any other aspect. Even the smallest detail can be important.
- Check your insurance: The insurance company is not always on your side after a crash. However, if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, it can help cover costs if the police do not locate the driver at-fault for the accident.
It can be frustrating if the police do not locate the reckless driver. However, that should not stop you from obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Do not wait – let us help
If you suffered a serious injury in a hit-and-run accident, contact McDonald At Law today to get the help you need.
Our founding attorney, Michael P. McDonald, represents accident victims exclusively, and he is the only Nationally Board-Certified Expert in Lancaster County, certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Learn more about how he can help you by calling 717-899-1907 today.