After a hit-and-run accident, you may be left feeling confused and unsure of what to do next. Your initial steps will be of utmost importance if you hope to bring the liable party to justice and recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Here’s more about what you should and should not do after being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Alabama.
After a Hit & Run: The Dos
The steps you take will be critical in the aftermath of your hit-and-run accident. Here are some of the first things you need to do after you’ve been struck by a driver who fled the scene:
Do Call 911 and Police
The first thing you need to do is contact emergency responders. You need both police and healthcare providers to respond to the accident scene. Law enforcement officials will be able to provide valuable evidence to support your case, including establishing liability, taking photos of the accident scene, and filing a police and crash report.
Do Obtain a Medical Evaluation
Obtaining a medical evaluation is essential. If you believe your injuries may be minor, you should still see a doctor immediately. This is because you may have invisible injuries that could prove far worse if left untreated.
Furthermore, the defense may argue that the collision did not cause your hit-and-run accident injuries if you fail to get a medical evaluation.
Do Gather Evidence
This step doesn’t apply to those with critical injuries. If you are physically capable of doing so, do what you can to gather evidence to support your case.
This includes writing down the license plate number of the person who hit you, jotting down the make, model, and color of their vehicle, speaking with witnesses who may have seen the accident, and taking photos of your injuries and the accident scene.
It may also be in your best interests to write down the names and addresses of nearby homes or businesses that might have caught the accident on video.
After a Hit & Run: The Don’ts
There are many things you need to do after a hit-and-run accident. However, there are also many things you should never do. Here are the don’ts of hit-and-run accidents in Alabama:
Don’t Follow the Driver Who Hit You
As soon as you have been struck, your gut reaction may be to chase after the driver who hit you. However, this could be dangerous. Pull over and contact 911 instead. Leave it to the police and law enforcement officials to determine the culprit’s identity.
Don’t Leave the Accident Scene
Even if the other driver flees the scene of the accident, you should still stick around. You need to wait for the police to show up, obtain your medical evaluation, and file an accident report so you can begin collecting evidence to support your case.
Once law enforcement arrives, they will give you the go-ahead to leave the accident scene when the time is right.
Don’t Accept Responsibility for Causing the Accident
Whether speaking with law enforcement or the insurance company, never accept responsibility for causing the accident.
Suppose you are accused of sharing liability for your injuries or causing the accident itself. In that case, it could hurt your ability to recover compensation through an insurance settlement or in court.
Instead, contact your attorney, who can ensure the appropriate parties obtain the facts they need to move forward with your case without putting your injury settlement at risk.
Don’t Give a Statement to The Insurance Company
The insurance company will look for opportunities to deny your claim or reduce your benefits wherever possible because paying out on your claim will cost them money.
The insurance adjuster may try to manipulate your statement to make it appear as though you are responsible for causing your injuries.
Most Importantly, Call a Car Accident Lawyer in Alabama for Help
When you’ve suffered injuries or damages after being hit by another vehicle and do not know where to turn for help, reach out to an experienced Alabama car accident lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett P.C.
Our firm proudly offers no-cost, risk-free consultations to hit-and-run accident victims across Alabama. Take advantage of the opportunity when you call our office at (205) 933-1500 or complete our online contact form.
