Stress can peak after a hit-and-run, especially if the perpetrator injures you in the process.
To keep calm and minimize damages, follow this five-step guide on what to do after a hit-and-run.
1. Call the police
Call 911 right after the accident occurs. The police can take your statement, establish a record of the incident, locate the suspect or dispatch an ambulance if you need urgent medical attention. Even if the damage to your person or your vehicle seems minimal, you will want that police record.
2. Document evidence
Once you are safe, start documenting the details of the situation. Take photographs of damages, write down the location of the incident and try to recall any information you can about the driver who fled the scene. Writing things down when the memory is fresh will help give the police more to work off of.
3. Seek medical attention
If the accident was serious, it is likely the police called an ambulance for you. However, accidents that seem minor at first could have underlying damages that you are not initially aware of. Untreated concussions, for example, could lead to more serious symptoms.
4. Contact your insurer
Many insurance companies offer elective coverages that take care of hit-and-run damages, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, personal injury protection or collision insurance. The specifics depend on your insurer, so check your policy to see whether or not it is worth filing a claim.
5. File a lawsuit
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of your injury. If your insurance does not cover you but you locate the perpetrator, file within that time period.
Prioritizing your safety and working closely with the police and your insurer can help minimize the damages of a hit-and-run.