Posted in Filing Your Claim
by John

A hit and run accident is one of the most common problems experienced on the road today, and this is usually a result of actions and events that you have been easily avoided with a bit of awareness. Because many people insist on driving while speaking on the cellular phone or eating, they are not able to determine distances of other cars on the road. This trouble with perception can often lead to a hit and run car accident. This occurs when one vehicle crashed into another and the offending driver speeds off in order to avoid responsibility. This is usually because the crash could have been a result of a dui accident or the driver simply does not want to pay for any damaged caused by the crash. If you ever experience hit and run car accidents then you are well aware that the driver often is able to escape easily without being held responsible for the damage caused.

You should be aware of what to do in the event that a similar accident ever happens in your presence. The first thing that should be done is to bring the car to a total stop and use any available camera to take pictures of any damaged. Both vehicles should be photographed in detail and this will help to prevent any accusations that damages have been added after the accident. Storing a disposable camera in the glove compartment is a great idea that any driver will benefit from. This is useful because the pictures will include a date stamp that can be used to verify the validity of any damage claim. These are more useful than cellular phone cameras because the photos are higher quality and this allows the smallest detail to show up. This is important when providing damage because they may need to show such problems as a scratched paint job and a high quality camera will be needed for this. These cameras are inexpensive to buy and they can be thrown away when fully used. They typically store 24 pictures and this is enough to photograph each vehicle in detail.

Another important thing that should be done is to examine the scene for anyone that could be a potential witness to the accident. Asking these people for a statement would be very helpful. However, this is something that you could simply allow the cops to conduct after writing down the name and phone number and anyone that may have any perspective to offer on the accident.

Since the other driver is already gone, you can’t exactly exchange information as you normally would.  Try to ask any present witness if they could provide the license plate number. If this is not possible then you should contact the police about this accident right away and inform them that driver has fled the scene of an accident.  Sit tight and wait for the police to show up so that they can verify the accident happened.

Hit and run accident penalties are severe and can lead to jail time if the driver is located. In many states, this is considered a Felony and extensive amounts of incarcerations have resulted from cases of this type. Leaving an accident is a very serious crime and contacting the police is the best option available to a victim. If the driver is located then he may face extended time in jail in addition to being held liable for any damaged resulting from the accident in the resulting auto accident settlement.

If you’ve been in an hit and run and the driver is never found, in most cases your insurance should be able to cover your damages in an auto accident insurance claim.  However, you will need to take steps to make sure that this will happen.  Take pictures, try to find any witnesses that you can, and call the police to verify the accident happened.

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