Hit-and-run car accidents occur when the driver who caused the collision flees the scene. These types of accidents can bring an added amount of chaos, and injured individuals will often struggle to deal with their physical injuries while trying to make sense of what just happened. Hit-and-run accidents often occur when cars run through red lights, during rear-end collisions, and when a driver skids the side of a car while speeding. Individuals involved in a hit-and-run accident should follow certain steps after the accident occurs.
Should I Follow the Driver?
While the instinct of many drivers involved in a hit-and-run accident is to follow or chase the fleeing car, this is never a good idea. For the safety of yourself, other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the road, remain at the scene and avoid pursuing the other car. Fleeing drivers can be dangerous and pursuing them presents a serious safety risk.
Local or state police should be notified of all hit-and run-accidents. Law enforcement can protect the public from fleeing cars that may be operating at high speeds. Police officers will fill out a report, which can be helpful for any future litigation you may wish to pursue against the fleeing driver.
What Should I Document at the Scene?
One of the most important steps to do when involved in a hit-and-run accident is to write down all relevant information as soon as possible. Details which may be easy to recall at the time of the accident, such as the color, make, and model of the fleeing vehicle, may become difficult to remember as time passes. Any details about the license plate, including the state or any of the numbers or letters, can help law enforcement find fleeing drivers. Other key information to record is the direction the car was traveling, any physical characteristics of the driver, and if there were any passengers in the fleeing car.
It is important to obtain the name and contact information of all potential witnesses, including bystanders, pedestrians, other drivers, and passengers. Anyone at the scene should be considered a potential witness. The names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of potential witnesses should be written down and provided to the police.
Documenting the accident should also include taking photographs of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle. Photograph nearby traffic signs, injuries, the surrounding landscape, and other cars involved. Make sure photographs are taken from several different angles to ensure a complete understanding of the circumstances.
Delaware Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Obtain Compensation for Hit-and-Run Car Accident Victims
Suffering injuries in a car accident can result in significant financial stress on families who are coping with the costs of medical treatment, property damage, and lost wages. Hit-and-run accidents are even more complicated and stressful. Our Delaware car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC will help obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 302-888-1221. Located in Wilmington, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, Middletown, and Newark.