5 things you Need to do After a Hit and Run 

Hit and runs are scary, especially if you are left injured on the side of the road with a damaged car and no details of the other driver. You can also be stung by a hit and run when you return to your parked car to find it damaged with no notes, and no witnesses in sight. In these instances, it is essential that you know what to do to ensure you get the right medical care and the compensation you deserve. Below, we have outlined everything you need to do after a hit and run to remove some stress and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

1. Get medical help

If you, or others are in the car when the hit and run occurs, the first thing you need to do is seek medical help. Your health is the top priority and you should have your injuries assessed by a medical professional, ensuring you get the best care. You might need to visit a hospital or book an emergency appointment with your doctor to get treatment for your injuries. 

While seeking medical attention, ask for copies of your medical records, as these can be used in your compensation claim. You will need proof that you have been injured and required treatment, and these are excellent ways to support your claim. As soon as you are able, we recommend contacting a lawyer to seek legal advice and file a compensation claim, but your first priority should be getting medical help for you and others in the car. 

2. Collect information

Next, you need to gather as much information as possible about the hit and run. You should do this as soon as you can after the accident, when all the details are fresh in your mind. You will need to pass all of your information to the police and your insurance company. You won’t have the other party’s details in a hit and run, but you will need to provide the following: 

• Details of the accident 
• Contact details of any witnesses 
• Photos of the accident 
• The other party’s details (where possible) 

The more information you can gather here, the better, as it allows lawyers and insurance companies to build a solid case and help you get the compensation that you deserve. If you have returned to your car and found it damaged by a hit and run, look for any CCTV in the area that can be used as evidence, or witnesses who can vouch for what happened. If you did see the other driver, try to include as much information as you remember. Even the make and model of the car can help the police track them down. 

If anyone is injured or killed through a hit and run, you need to contact the police immediately. The hit and run scene is now a crime scene and the police need to arrive immediately to carry out their necessary procedures. If one of the vehicles needs to be towed or the damages are worth more than $3000, the police will also need to be called. 

3. File a police report

A report should be filed with your local police, regardless of whether someone is injured or not. Ideally, you want to report it to your local police as soon as possible while the details are fresh in your mind. Include as much information in the police report as possible and ask for the report number and the officer’s name. This allows you to check for updates, and the details of the report can be used in your compensation claim. 

4. Contact your insurance company

You need to tell your insurance company you have been involved in a hit and run, too. They will need all the information you can provide about the accident to ensure you get your car repaired as soon as possible. They will process your hit and run claim for you, so you don’t need to worry about anything. 

5. Engage a lawyer

It is also worth engaging a lawyer to get financial or medical compensation from the hit and run. A lawyer will need proof of financial implications or injuries, like medical bills or loss of earnings, which can be used as the basis of your case. Car accident compensation lawyers can help you build your case and file a claim, ensuring you get the compensation you are owed. A lawyer will support you through the claim and use their years of experience to ensure you get the money you deserve. 

Hire your car accident lawyer today 

After a hit and run, it is essential that you follow our advice to get the compensation and support that you need. You can turn to Smith’s Lawyers, who are expert car accident lawyers that specialise in hit and runs. They will ensure you get the money you need and support you through the entire process. Speak to one of their lawyers today to get advice on how to make a car accident claim.