Protecting Yourself in the Midst of a Hit-and-Run
Observation: By observing what you can, you are protecting your rights from the very moment your accident takes place. One thing that is especially tricky about hit-and-run accidents is the fact that the driver flees the scene sometimes so early that you barely have time to process what is happening. This means that, in the aftermath of an accident, you might not remember the important details, such as the make and model of the suspect’s vehicle or what the driver looks like. This is why it is important to collect as much information as possible.
Perhaps you can snap a picture of the tire tracks or the paint that was left on the side of your vehicle. Maybe you can speak with witnesses who might have seen more than you. All of these steps will allow you to piece together important pieces of evidence that will lead to success in your case.
Pay Attention to Overall Safety: In many cases, you might be left in a dangerous position if you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident. Maybe the driver struck you in an intersection or around a curve in the road, which could contribute to another accident if you do not get to safety. This is why, if you are able to, you should always move your vehicle out of harm’s way. However, you want to ensure that evidence stays a top priority and that you collect as much as possible before you remove your vehicle from the area.
The Police Report: It is imperative to always contact the police after an accident, but one of the main reasons why this is a vital step is due to the police report. If an officer is issued to the scene of your hit-and-run accident, they will take down as much information as possible. In the meantime, they will work to find the driver responsible.
Helping You Move Forward
Our personal injury attorneys at Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet, & Buckner have played an important role in many client’s cases in the past. We are willing to stand by your side no matter how tough aspects get in your case, using our personal injury resources to help you during one of the most difficult times in your life. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (304) 898-8499 to find out what we can do for you at this time.