A hit-and-run car accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure what to do next. Whether it happens on a quiet street or a busy highway, the fleeing vehicle and unanswered questions can make an already traumatic situation even worse.Consulting a trusted car accident lawyer early can help victims understand their rights and next steps. Victims often face mounting medical expenses, property damage, and frustration dealing with insurance companies. Knowing the proper steps to take after a hit-and-run can help preserve vital evidence, protect your health, and strengthen your future insurance claim or civil case.
1. Stay Calm and Stay at the Scene of the Accident
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, the most important thing is to stay where you are. Do not try to chase the fleeing vehicle. Pursuing the driver could increase the risk of another auto accident or confrontation.
Instead, pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and assess your surroundings. Check for accident injuries among passengers or pedestrians. Move to a secure area if traffic poses a danger. Remaining at the scene of an accident also ensures compliance with local laws and makes it easier for law enforcement to begin their police investigation.
2. Check for Injuries and Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries appear minor, get medical attention as soon as possible. Shock and adrenaline can mask serious internal injuries, such as blunt force trauma or concussion.
Call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for assistance or have someone drive you to a hospital. Be sure to tell the doctor that your injuries were caused by a car accident. This documentation will be vital when filing a claim for medical payments coverage or reimbursement from your insurance provider.
Keep all hospital bills and receipts for medical care. These will serve as evidence of your medical expenses during negotiations with insurance companies or when pursuing a civil lawsuit.
3. Call the Police and File a Police Report
Once you’ve confirmed everyone’s safety, contact law enforcement immediately. Explain that the other driver left the scene of the accident and provide every detail you remember such as the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number, even partial digits.
Officers from the Georgia State Patrol or South Carolina Highway Patrol will respond, depending on your location. They’ll collect statements, document the crash site, and file an official police report. This report is essential for your insurance claim and any future civil lawsuits.
Be sure to request a copy of the police report once it’s available. Provide it to your insurance agent, insurance adjuster, or car accident lawyer handling your case.
4. Gather Evidence at the Crash Scene
While waiting for police to arrive, gather as much evidence as you safely can. Take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage and debris
- Skid marks and broken glass
- Any visible injuries
- Road signs, traffic lights, or surrounding surveillance cameras
Nearby stores, gas stations, or residential homes may have surveillance footage that captured the collision or license plates of passing vehicles. Ask politely if the footage can be preserved for law enforcement review.
If possible, speak with witnesses and write down their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Their statements could prove invaluable in identifying the fleeing vehicle.
5. Notify Your Insurance Provider Promptly
After the accident, contact your insurance provider or insurance agent right away. Provide them with the police report number, photos, and any available insurance information from witnesses or responders.
Let your insurer know it was a hit-and-run car accident so they can file it under your uninsured motorist coverage (UM) or underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). These policies can compensate you for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and lost wages when the at-fault driver cannot be located.
If you’re unsure what your policy covers, review it with your car accident lawyer before signing any settlement documents. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, especially when victims are unaware of their rights.
6. Document Everything for Your Insurance Claim
Create a detailed record of every expense and interaction. Keep copies of:
- Medical bills and prescription receipts
- Tow and repair estimates
- Lost wage statements from your employer
- Communication with insurance companies, insurance adjusters, and law enforcement
This comprehensive documentation strengthens your insurance claim and helps your attorney calculate full compensation. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, include any correspondence regarding car insurance rates, proof of insurance, or vehicle registration.
Your insurance provider may also request your driver’s license number and photographs of the vehicle debris for verification purposes.
7. Get a Medical Evaluation and Follow All Treatment Plans
Even after the initial emergency visit, schedule a thorough medical evaluation to assess hidden injuries like soft-tissue damage or whiplash. Follow your doctor’s advice closely and attend every appointment.
Failing to continue treatment could allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the auto accident. Detailed records of ongoing medical care ensure your medical expenses are reimbursed fairly in your insurance claim or personal injury case.
8. Avoid Speaking Directly to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
If the hit-and-run driver is later identified, their insurance provider may reach out for a statement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with your car accident lawyer.
Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Allow your attorney to handle all communication with the insurance companies, insurance adjusters, or opposing insurance agents. Experienced attorneys know how to protect you from tactics designed to limit your recovery.
9. Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can make all the difference after a hit-and-run. Your attorney will:
- Obtain copies of your police report and medical records
- Work with law enforcement to identify the driver
- Review insurance policies for available coverage
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
Lawyers also help you explore potential civil lawsuits if negligence or reckless driving is proven. For instance, if the fleeing vehicle was owned by an employer or operated by a delivery service, your attorney can determine if that company shares liability.
10. Understand Common Insurance Coverage Options
Every driver should understand the different types of automobile insurance policies available. The most relevant after a hit-and-run are:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Protects you if the other driver cannot be identified.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.
- Medical Payments Coverage: Helps pay for medical expenses regardless of fault.
- Collision Coverage: Covers vehicle repair costs from a car accident.
If you don’t have these protections, consult your insurance agent about adding them. They’re often affordable and invaluable after a hit-and-run accident.
11. Cooperate Fully with Law Enforcement
Stay in contact with the officer or investigator assigned to your case. Provide updates or new evidence, such as tips from witnesses or recordings from dash cameras and external surveillance cameras.
If the driver is identified, law enforcement may press criminal charges such as license suspension, vehicular homicide, or homicide by vehicle if fatalities occurred. Having an attorney ensures your rights are protected throughout any related criminal proceedings.
12. Review Your Insurance Policy Carefully
Take time to read the fine print in your automobile insurance policies. Look for clauses related to hit-and-run coverage, deductibles, and time limits for filing an insurance claim.
If you’re uncertain about specific terms like proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or how renters’ insurance or flood insurance may overlap, a Department of Insurance representative or your car accident lawyer can clarify.
Never rely solely on an insurance quote comparison site or online estimate. Personalized legal advice ensures you receive every benefit your policy allows.
13. Keep a Personal Accident Checklist
Maintaining an Accident Checklist helps you stay organized during a stressful time. Include items such as:
- Call police and file a police report
- Exchange details or note the license plate of the fleeing vehicle
- Take photos and contact insurance companies
- Get medical help and keep bills
- Contact a car accident lawyer for legal advice
This structured approach makes it easier to recall important details when speaking with investigators, your insurance provider, or a court later.
14. Preparing for Potential Civil Lawsuits
If the hit-and-run driver is caught, you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit for negligence or wrongful injury. Damages can include pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term medical expenses.
Your car accident lawyer will gather evidence, witness statements, and police reports to build your case. Many insurance companies prefer to settle rather than face litigation, but having an attorney ensures you don’t accept less than you deserve.
15. Don’t Wait to Act
Most states, including Georgia and South Carolina, have strict deadlines known as statutes of limitation for filing claims after a hit-and-run accident. Waiting too long to report, seek medical care, or contact your insurance provider could weaken your case.
Taking prompt action helps law enforcement locate the responsible driver and allows your insurance claim to proceed smoothly.
Conclusion
A hit-and-run car accident can change your life in an instant. But knowing what steps to take from filing a police report and gathering license plate information, to consulting a car accident lawyer and dealing with insurance companies can protect your rights and financial stability.
With the right support, you can recover both physically and financially. Always remember: prompt medical attention, clear documentation, and legal guidance are your strongest tools after a hit-and-run accident.
Need Legal Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run car accident, don’t face the aftermath alone.
Our legal team helps victims work with law enforcement and insurance companies to pursue maximum compensation.
We assist with every step, from filing an insurance claim to negotiating fair settlements for medical expenses and lost wages.
Your recovery and peace of mind matter most to us.
Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation and protect your legal rights.
About Ted Law Firm
Ted Law Firm, We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg.From Charleston to Putnam County, the firm works tirelessly to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.Contact us today for a free consultation.
