What to do After You are in a Hit and Run Car Accident

An automobile accident is a very traumatic experience - if you’ve never experienced one, consider yourself lucky. It’s amazing to see exactly how much damage can be caused by one vehicle, driving 25 mph, hitting a parked car. When two cars collide, each going much faster, the devastation is multiplied exponentially.

In situations in which no one is seriously hurt, the first emotion each person in the accident usually feels is relief. Relief that nobody died. Relief that the damage is not as bad as it could have been. Relief that the insurance company will make everything right again.

Even in cases where one party is clearly at fault, the accident’s victim is usually at least somewhat understanding. After all, there’s a reason that they’re called “accidents.” Stuff happens. So long as no one is hurt, and everyone is responsible and adequately insured, life goes on.

Hit and Run - A Violent, Cowardly Act

But what about the case of hit and run? While the victim’s first response, barring serious injury or death of a passenger, may be relief, that emotion is quickly overwhelmed by a righteous sense of anger. A hit and run isn’t a simple “accident” that can be forgiven - it is a violent act of criminal cowardice, an assault with lethal force.

Technically speaking, a hit and run is any accident in which one or more participants fails to wait for the police to arrive on the scene so that an official report can be filed. Those who are able to have even a moment of face time with their attackers are actually the lucky ones, for they are more easily able to see that justice is visited upon the perpetrator.

Preparing For Hit and Run

It’s said that there are as many as 700,000 cases of hit and run each year in the United States, and this means that the chances that it will happen to you at least once in your lifetime are great. With that in mind, it’s probably prudent to plan ahead for the worst, starting now.

First, talk with your insurance agent. Make sure that your coverage protects against hit and run incidents. Normally, hit and run is covered under uninsured motorist (UM) insurance, so if you don’t have that coverage, strongly consider adding it.

Secondly, think about buying a disposable camera to keep in your car. If you have a camera phone, that’s even better. The reason? To take pictures of damage sustained in any car accident, but hit and runs in particular. You may even be able to get a snapshot of the perpetrator’s car; maybe even his license number.

What to Do If It Happens To You

First, call the police. It is required by law that the authorities be notified of all auto accidents, but in the case of hit and runs, it’s especially important. Law enforcement officers will work with you to find the assailant and bring him or her to justice.

Secondly, use that disposable camera or your camera phone to take pictures of any damage to your vehicle.

Third, head to the hospital. Sometimes injuries sustained in car accidents don’t make themselves known for weeks or even months after the incident. It’s vitally important that you’re examined by a medical professional in order to avoid disputes with your insurance company later on.

Fourth and finally, call your car insurance agent. Hopefully, you will have UM coverage by the time of your first hit and run.

If you don’t have UM now, or you’re not sure if you do or not, consider shopping around online for the auto insurance quote that best fits your needs. If you’re ever brutally assaulted in a hit and run, whether your insurance will cover the damages should be the least of your worries. Prepare ahead and it will be.