As the highway robbery is one of the most constant fears among motorists, it also is when the responsible of a hit, runs, for that, if you have ever wondered what do I do if I am hit and run, today we will give you some recommendations about it.
Take notes, even though you are a responsible driver that drives defensively, you are not exempt that someone else impacts you, no matter how cautious you are.
What do I do if I am hit and run?
A crash is always stressful for both parts, for the responsible and for the victim. Besides the shock and the bad time, it will always occur the confrontation with the other driver and insurance companies (if you have one) to get to an arrangement; this, of course, in the case that involved ones are interested in solve the topic in a civilized manner.
In one hand, we have a situation known as hit and run, where, as its name mentions, the driver that impacts, run-away of the scene to avoid the payment of the damages and evade their responsibilities. This is one of the most stressful situations than as motorist you might face.
On the other hand, there’s the urge to chase to the other motorist, for that, you might be shocked before that event and don’t know what to do For that, and before the question… what do I do if I am hit and run? We have you the following tips…
How to act at the moment of the hit?
Don’t miss any detail Try to react as soon as possible and, when they hit you, write down or memorize the plate, model and color of the car that impacted you. The sooner you get this information, the greater the possibilities that authorities can trapped him if escapes.
Don’t chase them!
The euphoria of the moment and until your instinct before an attack might drive you to chase who hit you. Don’t do it! We know that the last thing you want is to leave the person to escape, but chasing and driving with a clouded judgement can lead you in a dangerous situation and to other motorists.
Let authorities know and gather witnesses
As you see that the driver run, dial to 911 and make authorities know about your situation. For that is important to have all the possible information about the crash.
Try to gather many people that have presence the accident. Having witnesses will favor you at the moment of your statement. On the other hand, if you chase to the other driver, you won’t have witnesses and might create confusions when declaring.
It can also happen that the hit occurred while you weren’t in your car, so, if this happens, ask if someone saw something to use their testimony. Regularly, on the surroundings exist certain commercial places with security cameras, for that, is a good option to ask them a recording.
Provide as much data as possible
Once you call to police, make sure of mentioning them the data that we already mentioned. Includes to where the vehicle went, the damages that suffer and, in addition, take photos of your car to show to insurance. Write the place, hour and date of the accident.
In terms of witnesses, even though some will help you, probably not many of them will be able to stay with you until police arrive. Don’t worry, take their information, such as names and phone numbers so you can localize them later.
Call to your insurance company
This step can be done before or after calling to authorities, but never, instead, due both complement to each other.
Contact your insurance company to explain them what happened and they can provide you advice.
You must consider that some of these companies can help you to cover part of the damages in case that the other driver is not located. Check the policy that you have to know this.
We know that the question “What do I do if I am hit and run? is not easy to answer, but we expect that these tips help you in case that sometime you are in a situation of this class. Before anything, remember that the most important aspect is to not chase to the offender, the important thing is to don’t risk your well-being.
