Steps to Take Immediately Following a Hit and Run Accident

Being involved in any car accident is stressful, but when the other driver flees the scene, the situation becomes even more overwhelming. Hit and run accidents leave victims with physical injuries, vehicle damage, and a lot of unanswered questions. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a hit and run can protect your health, preserve critical evidence, and strengthen your legal claim. If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run crash in Conway, contacting an experienced Conway car accident attorney from our firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Prioritize Your Safety

First and foremost, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s in your interest to seek medical attention. Some injuries are not immediately obvious and could worsen without treatment. Your health must come first, and prompt medical care will also create important documentation that can support your insurance claim or lawsuit.

Call Law Enforcement

In a hit and run accident, contacting the police right away is essential. Officers will arrive at the scene, take your statement, and begin an investigation. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which will be critical when you file an insurance claim or pursue legal action. Try to give law enforcement as much information as you can about the fleeing vehicle, including the make, model, color, license plate number (even a partial plate can help), and the direction the driver was headed.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, take steps to document the accident scene. Use your phone to take pictures of your vehicle damage, any visible injuries, debris in the road, skid marks, and surrounding traffic signs or signals. Look for any nearby witnesses who may have seen the crash happen. Witnesses can provide valuable information that may help law enforcement identify the hit and run driver. Get their contact information if they are willing to give a statement. You should also provide all this evidence to your Conway car accident lawyer.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Some policies require timely reporting to qualify for uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which often applies in hit and run cases. Be cautious about giving detailed statements without first speaking to a knowledgeable Conway car accident lawyer, especially if your insurer seems reluctant to cooperate. Remember, insurance companies are businesses, and they may try to minimize your claim.

Contact a Conway Car Accident Attorney

Hit and run accidents present unique legal challenges. Identifying the fleeing driver can be difficult, and recovering compensation can become complicated if the driver is never found. Working with a reputable Conway car accident lawyer gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.

At The Law Offices of Brad L. Richardson, LLC, we understand how frustrating and painful a hit and run accident can be. We are committed to thoroughly investigating your case, handling all interactions with insurance companies, and pursuing every available avenue for compensation, whether through a personal injury lawsuit or an uninsured motorist claim.

If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact The Law Offices of Brad L. Richardson, LLC today at 843-488-4321 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.