After most car accidents, it’s normal for both drivers to stop and exchange information. But if you’re involved in a hit-and-run, the other driver will simply drive off, hoping to escape responsibility for their actions. After a hit-and-run, it’s up to you to take the appropriate steps and hopefully hold the other driver accountable for their actions. Your Illinois car accident attorney wants you to know how to manage these accidents long before you ever need to schedule a consultation. Here’s what you can expect after a hit-and-run, and what you’ll need to do to get the money you need to focus on your recovery.
What to Do Immediately Following the Accident
Immediately after the accident, the full burden of collecting evidence surrounding the accident and documenting the extent of the damage is on you. There’s no other driver to work with or to get insurance information from at the scene, so the steps you’ll need to take will solely be based on protecting your wellbeing.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
The first thing you should do is make sure you and any passengers in the vehicle are ok. If you think you’re injured, call the paramedics and let them check you out on the scene. If you think you’re relatively unharmed, seek medical attention as soon as you can. You may need to go to the emergency room or your closest urgent care facility for minor injuries. If you think you’re uninjured, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can. It can take several days or weeks for injuries to become apparent, and the sooner you can document those injuries, the better.
Call the Police to File a Report
Filing a police report can help strengthen your personal injury case and increases the chances of the other driver being held responsible for their involvement. As soon as you’re safe, call the police and let them know what happened. Be sure to mention that you were involved in a hit-and-run accident. Once they’re on the scene, the police will take your statement and can start compiling evidence to figure out who the other driver was.
Document What You Can
As with any accident, it’s a good idea to take detailed pictures of the damage, the scene, and any injuries you suffered as a result of the accident. These pictures can help strengthen your claim if you end up suing the other driver. Use your phone’s camera to document the damage and write down what you remember from the accident when you get home.
Speak With an Illinois Car Accident Attorney A.S.A.P.
Holding another driver accountable in a hit-and-run accident takes time, but the sooner you speak with an Illinois car accident attorney, the sooner you’ll be able to start building your case. Remember, attorneys have experience investigating accidents like yours and may be able to help you track down the other driver faster than you could on your own.
Once you find the other driver, your attorney can represent you in court if you choose to sue the driver for damages. If you can’t find the driver, your attorney can also help you navigate the insurance claims process if you need to file an uninsured motorist claim with your provider.
Let Fabbrini Law Group Help
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, get the help you deserve from the very beginning. The team at Fabbrini Law Group has helped drivers like you hold hit-and-run drivers accountable for years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you better understand your options moving forward.