There are many reasons why a driver causing an accident leaves the scene before authorities arrive. Those who have been involved in a hit and run accident need to do everything they can to hold the fleeing driver accountable for his or her negligent actions. Being able to identify and hold the other driver accountable will help minimize the losses of the driver who was hit during the accident.
Most hit and run accidents involve one driver hitting another and then speeding off. Other hit and run accidents occur when a driver hits an unattended parked car and leaves the scene without leaving any form of contact information behind. Either way it leaves the one driver without a way to get compensated.
Collecting Information
Collecting as much information about the fleeing driver will help authorities find the at fault driver. Write down as much information about the driver, including his or her features. Also write down identifying features of the car, including color, make, model, type of damage, state of the license plate and license plate number.
Witnesses
Look around the scene of the accident to see if there are any witnesses who saw what happened. Get their contact information and statements about what they saw and any information that could help identify the other driver.
Police
As soon as possible the police should be called to assess the damage and write a police report. Be sure to share all of the information gathered during and after the hit and run accident. If enough information was gathered at the scene, the police officer should be able to discover the driver of the other vehicle.
Insurance
Once the police report is completed, send a copy to the insurance company. Make sure the insurance company knows the accident was a hit and run. Since the insurance company will ask many questions, it is in your best interest to contact a car accident lawyer who has experience in helping accident victims.
Being involved in any type of auto accident is not a pleasant experience. There are many steps to be taken to ensure the other driver is held accountable and the insurance company pays the claim without penalizing the policy holder. By contacting a Tampa area lawyer for more assistance and guidance, they will handle all remaining calls, paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company as well as advising you of your legal rights and responsibilities.
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