What to Do If You Are in a Hit and Run
| May 22nd, 2017
Hit and run wrecks happen often, despite the fact that fleeing the scene of a wreck is illegal in Alabama.
Being in a hit and run wreck can be a trying time which is why we have composed a list of steps to take if you or a loved one have been involved in a wreck of this kind:
DO NOT TRY TO PURSUE THE CAR THAT CAUSED THE WRECK
If the wreck is severe, it might not be safe for your car to be on the road. There is also a chance that you could make your injuries worse if you chase the other vehicle.
Another reason to not chase the vehicle that caused the wreck is that you may put yourself in danger by doing so. The driver that hit you could be dangerous or they could be a criminal fleeing a crime. It is best to stay put and let the police handle chasing the driver that hit you.
WRITE DOWN THE LICENSE PLATE NUMBER
It is best to try to do this while you are still in your car. You should only exit your car to read the license plate number if doing so will not endanger your safety.
You should also take note of the color, make and model of the vehicle along with the area of the car that was damaged in the collision. Your goal is to provide the police with as much information as possible to help them find the car.
Snapping a picture with your phone can also be helpful to the authorities in identifying the vehicle that hit you.
TALK TO WITNESSES
I can be hard to have the presence of mind to remember identifying details of the car that cause your wreck in a hit and run. That is why you should ask anyone in the area if they saw the driver or vehicle.
Ask local business owners if they have surveillance cameras. They may have footage of the crash that could fill in the gaps in the information you provide to police, particularly about the driver.
CALL THE POLICE
Call the police as soon as you can. If you are seriously injured ask another person to call the police and EMTs. Give them all the information you can about the car that hit you. Also give them any identifying information about the driver.
If the police find the car and driver, they may be able to charge the individual with leaving the scene of an accident. It is illegal to leave the scene of a wreck with injuries in Alabama.
Before the police leave the scene of the crash, ask how you can obtain a copy of the accident report.
GO TO THE HOSPITAL
Seeing medical professionals quickly will help them diagnose injuries sustained in your wreck. This will help your medical team create the best treatment plan for your injuries.
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU 24/7
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we have made it our mission to fight for the rights of injury victims and their families for more than 30 years, and have recovered over $2.7 BILLION for our clients.
Call (877) 562-0000 or fill out our online form to arrange for your FREE and CONFIDENTIAL case evaluation.
