Twin Cities Hit and Run Car Accidents, What do I Do.
Being involved in a car collision is always stressful, but is made even worse when the driver the other vehicle turns it into a hit-and-run by driving away from the scene of the accident. Let’s cover what you should do if you’ve pulled off the road and see the other driver speeding away.
Legal Requirements and Consequences
First, let’s look at what the hit-and-run driver should have done and consider the possible consequences for them if they’re caught.
Requirements
In most states, drivers involved in an accident with another vehicle are legally required to move quickly to a safe location and then Park, if that is possible given the condition of the vehicle. They should then check on the health and safety of everyone who was a driver or a passenger in the vehicle’s as well as anyone else nearby who may have been injured in the crash. If anyone needs medical attention, they should call for emergency assistance immediately.
Consequences
The legal consequences of leaving the scene of an accident vary from state to state and depend on whether anyone died or suffered a serious injury. Penalties could include suspension of the person’s driver’s license for a number of years, a fine of as much as $20,000 in prison term of up to 15 years.
Stay at the Scene and Call Police
Because you are legally responsible for remaining at the scene of the accident, he should not be tempted to chase after the other driver. Nor should you wrist trying to catch up with or detain them; is highly dangerous and unpredictable and can only make the situation more difficult.
You should call the police as soon as you can because an accident report will be crucial in potentially locating the hit-and-run driver and necessary for your insurance claim. The sooner the police are aware of the accident, the sooner they can begin tracking down the driver hopefully while the person is still on the road. Note: According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run accidents represent about 11% to 13% of all car crashes.
Take Notes and Photographs, Identify Witnesses
You should prepare yourself to be able to give as much information as possible to the police. Take notes of what happened and snap photographs of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle.
Ideally, you will be able to give the license plate number of the hit-and-run driver’s car. If you can’t, you should describe the vehicle and the driver, if you were able to get a good look at them-in as much detail as possible. The make, model, and color of the vehicle, as well as any helpful identifier, such as bumper stickers on the vehicle, would all be helpful information. You can also suggest where the other driver’s vehicle might be damaged based on the nature of the collision.
You should make note of the time of the accident in the direction the other vehicle was headed when you could last see them.
If there any witnesses to the accident, asked him to stick around and talk to the police. They may have been in a better position to see the driver or to note the runaway car’s license plate. You should also ask them for their name and contact information.
Call Your Insurance Company
Your next call should be to your auto insurance provider. It is a good idea to let them know about the accident and its hit-and-run nature right away, so they can begin processing your claim.
Get Medical Assistance
If you are not sure of the extent of your injuries or are not certain you weren’t injured, you should strongly consider receiving medical assistance at the scene of the accident. Call for an ambulance, they can help further evaluate any possible hidden injuries. If the other driver is apprehended, it would be beneficial to help your case against them. Medical records help to establish a link between the accident and your injury. We here at www.solichiropractic.com have been treating auto injury cases for 21 years. Not only can we help with your injuries and pain but also help with proper documentation.
Obtain the Police Report
After you and any witnesses have spoken with the police, asked the officer or officers when the report will be available. Take down the names and badge numbers; that should make obtained the report easier once it is completed.
It is Up to You
The next steps that you take will not only help you to feel better but to allow proper documentation for your injuries. Do not let undetected injuries go without proper care. We here at Soli Chiropractic, have the understanding and knowledge of proper treatment and protocol for your injuries. Please feel free to call us at 763-560-0750 or reach us on the website: www.solichiropractic.com. We are here for you.
