Have you ever been in a hit-and-run accident? Like getting into a car accident isn't scary enough, this situation is when the other driver hits you and instead of stopping to see if you're alright and file a police report, they take off. This leaves you with a damaged car, possible injuries, and no one but you to pay for the damages and medical bills (even though it wasn't your fault). So, what do you do now?
Hit-and-run accidents are more common than you think, especially when it comes to pedestrians and bicycles. And in the state of Florida, if someone is injured or killed in the crash and the other driver leaves the scene, they face felony charges. That's why it's so critical to stay at the scene if you're in a car accident, especially if it's your fault.
The steps to take after a hit-and-run accident
If the other driver flees the scene of the car accident, you need to know how to react so you can safely and efficiently deal with the aftermath. Check out these Toyota of Clermont tips.
#1: Seek medical attention if you need it. The first thing you should do is assess whether you and your passengers need medical attention or not. If anyone is injured and needs emergency assistance, call right away.
#2: Call the police. Your next step should be to call the police and report the accident. You'll want someone to come out to the scene so you can give them all the details and file an accident report, which you'll need for your insurance company. You can also give them the information they'll need to pursue the other driver because remember - fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal, especially if someone has been injured. Be sure to get a copy of the accident report and request that you be contacted regarding the other driver (whether they're found or not).
#3: Write down all the details of the hit-and-run accident. Now is the time to write down every single thing you can remember about the car accident. This includes:
- Time it occurred
- Exact location (cross streets, landmarks, etc.)
- What happened
- Details about the other driver and their vehicle - what they looked like, as well as the make/model/color of their vehicle and any noticeable characteristics like stickers, damage, accessories, etc.
- The direction in which they went when they fled the scene
- The damage to your car as well as any injuries you or your passengers may have sustained
You should also take photos of your vehicle to document the damage.
#4: Look for witnesses. You'll want as many witnesses to the hit-and-run accident as you can get since the other driver is now MIA. Ask them for their written account of the accident as well as contact information so you can get in touch with them after the fact should you need to. You should also ask if they're willing to give their statement to the police.
#5: Contact your insurance company. Finally, contact your insurance company. Believe it or not, you do have (or should have) coverage for this situation. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will help out with medical bills, and you'll need to look into your Underinsured Motorist and Uninsured Motorist policies as well.
Let Toyota of Clermont take care of hit-and-run accident damage
And when you're done, we can get you back on the road in no time! Our Clermont Toyota body shop is up and running and ready to restore your ride to like-new condition again. Call us today at (352) 404-7001 or stop by 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.
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