An accident is a stressful event, but when it’s a hit-and-run accident, the stress is compounded. A hit-and-run accident is one where the at-fault driver does not stay on the scene of the accident and flees before the other party is able to gain their bearings. These types of accidents also involve someone hitting a parked or otherwise unoccupied vehicle and leaving. 

1. Seek Medical Attention

Whether you’re seriously injured or not, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention as soon as possible.  Some injuries may not be noticeable right away or without imaging, so getting the proper medical care is of the utmost importance. Even if you don’t feel as if you have any injuries, do not delay getting a medical report. Some common injuries from car accidents include whiplash, internal bleeding, bruising and swelling, and psychological injuries. A Boise personal injury lawyer can help you navigate both the legal and medical aspects that all of these injuries and others come with. 

2. Gather Evidence

It’s necessary to gather as much evidence as you can regarding the hit-and-run accident. Information like the vehicle’s description, license plate, time of day, road conditions, and the direction the driver fled in. You’ll also need to identify any witnesses. Having firsthand accounts of the accident will come in handy if and when the driver is located. If a witness is unwilling or unable to stick around the scene of the accident, make sure to get the contact information of witnesses to pass on to the police. The more information you can gather, the better the chances of the police locating the other person. 

3. File a Police Report

If the police do not show up on the scene, you’ll need to file your own police report. But calling the police to the scene of the accident is in your best interest. The police have more resources available to them to help locate or identify the hit-and-run driver. Don’t wait to file a report because your insurance company may deem you the “at fault” individual. This could result in an increase in your insurance premium and make you responsible for the damages.  

4. Check Your Insurance Policy

You’ll need to notify your insurance policy, whether you were driving your car or a pedestrian. Your policy can help defray some of the costs associated with the accident. Uninsured motorist protection is mandatory in many states, so if the other driver is uninsured or not located, you’re not totally in a lurch. In the states that don’t require uninsured motorist protection, other drivers only have legal recourse, and there is little that can be done to make the injured party whole if the hit-and-run driver isn’t located. Consult your state’s laws to find out if uninsured motorist protection applies to hit-and-run accidents. 

5. Call a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you file a legal claim in the event of a hit-and-run accident. They can get you the compensation you deserve so that you can be made legally whole. An experienced attorney can also guide you through the steps of seeking compensation for your injuries and your vehicle. 

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, make sure you involve three professionals: a doctor, a lawyer, and a police officer. These three can make the process of moving past a hit-and-run accident much easier and less stressful.