What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

What If the At-Fault Driver Leaves the Scene After My Accident?

Car crashes are incredibly frustrating and often terrifying events. They can cause financial losses, such as a totaled car and lost wages due to injuries. Car accidents can also cause ongoing pain and suffering because of the negligence of another driver. The frustration from a car crash is compounded when the at-fault driver leaves the scene of an accident. What can you do in this situation? The hit-and-run accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have handled these cases for decades.

The following is a guide on what to do after another driver leaves the scene of an accident.

File a Police Report

No matter what, it is very important to file a police report. Even if you don't have any information about the other driver, filing a police report is extremely important. First, many insurance companies require a policy report to be filed within 24 hours of the crash. Failing to do so can prevent an injured person from making an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with their own insurance company. Most insurance companies have the 24-hour rule.

Second, a police report is excellent evidence to substantiate that the crash occurred, that your vehicle was involved, and that it was damaged as a result of the crash. When making a claim for collision damage with your insurance company, the carrier will often ask for a copy of the police report. They want proof that the crash occurred, and it happened the way you said it did. A police report goes a long way in assuaging their concerns.

Try to Get Surveillance or Video

If possible, walk around the area of the crash site and see if there are any businesses with video surveillance or residents with Ring cameras or other forms of surveillance. Ask them politely if their camera recorded the area where the crash occurred. They may have recorded the license plate number of the hit-and-run vehicle. The video may have the driver’s license of the car that took off and other identifying information.

Ring cameras and other forms of surveillance are becoming increasingly prevalent. Everyday events that were once unrecorded are now captured digitally forever. This critical piece of evidence can make the difference between catching the perpetrator and allowing them to walk free.

Talk to Witnesses

Try to get the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the crash. Ask them what they saw. Perhaps they got a license plate number or a partial plate number. At the very least, a Michigan hit-and-run accident lawyer can follow up with these witnesses to get all the information they have during their investigation.

Our car accident lawyers are extremely aggressive in obtaining witness statements. We also hire investigators to knock on doors, interview businesses, and speak with individuals to gather as much information as possible about the hit-and-run crash.

Seek Medical Treatment from a Local Hospital or Doctor

After a car crash, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel injured, it's a good idea to have CT imaging or x-rays completed to ensure there is no internal damage. A doctor or nurse in a medical setting can take your vital signs and order blood work to ensure you are okay.

If you are injured, seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help expedite the recovery process. You don’t want to make a bad situation even worse. For example, if there is a foot fracture, it is crucial to immobilize the leg. Further unrestricted movement can cause permanent issues. Placing the foot in a boot or cast to keep it immobilized is essential.

The best way to get medical attention after a hit-and-run accident is to call 911. The EMT personnel can make a quick evaluation and complete an assessment. If further treatment is needed, then they can take you to the hospital.

Who Pays the Medical Bills After a Hit-and-Run Crash?

In almost all situations, an auto insurance company will pay for the medical bills. This is paid for by personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, also known as no-fault benefits. In general, your own auto insurance pays the medical bills. However, even if you don’t have car insurance, you may still be able to file a claim to have your medical bills paid.

There is an order of priority for which auto insurance carrier is responsible.

Let the Michigan hit-and-run accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm walk you through this process.

Can I Still Get Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Yes. First, as described above, so long as you were not the operator of your own uninsured car, you can make a claim for first-party benefits. These benefits include:

• Payment of Lost Wages
• Payment of Medical Expenses
• Reimbursement for Prescription Drugs
• Replacement Services
• Attendant Care

In addition, a claim for pain and suffering can still be made even if the identity of the person who caused the crash is unknown. Under an uninsured motorist claim, the insurance carrier for the vehicle you occupied may be obligated to step into the shoes of the at-fault driver. The insurance for the car will pay for your pain and suffering.

Additionally, your own auto insurance may be responsible for covering the UM claim and paying for pain and suffering compensation. This is true even if your vehicle is not involved in the crash. Please get in touch with our Michigan car accident lawyers to find out your rights and options.

Contact a Michigan Hit-and-Run Accident Injury Lawyer Near You

The legal experts at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have been handling hit-and-run cases for over 50 years. Our team of experienced and aggressive Michigan car accident lawyers knows what it takes to secure the UM benefits and first-party benefits you deserve.

Call us at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) for a free consultation. We can answer your questions. Our office will pursue the at-fault driver and their insurance company. We have collected hundreds of millions for car accident victims. And we never charge anything until we win your case.