Getting injured in a hit-and-run accident can be a frustrating experience. After all, how do you make an insurance claim or sue for compensation if the driver is not found? While you cannot control everything that happens after such an accident, you can do some things that could help you build a case against this driver if they are ever found.
A car accident lawyer in Queens can help you with that.
What Can I Do After the Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you do get hurt in a hit-and-run accident, you should treat it like any other accident. That means pulling over somewhere safe, calling the police, and waiting for them to come to the scene to make a report. You will need that for your own insurance company later.
You should also take some additional steps to gather evidence and do everything that you can to help the police catch the hit-and-run driver. You can:
- Take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and your injuries
- Write down everything that you can remember about the car and the driver who fled the scene, if you were present for the crash
- Talk to anyone nearby to see if they witnessed anything
- Look at nearby residences and businesses to see if they have cameras that might have caught something
Then you should get to the doctor as soon as possible so that you can have your injuries looked at.
What If I’m Given False Information?
Sometimes the other driver does actually stop and exchange information with you, but then you later find out that the information that was given to you is false. This is essentially a hit-and-run accident too. It leaves you in the same situation, with no way of getting compensation.
This is why you should call the cops to the accident scene. If another involved driver is telling you that you shouldn’t, do not go along with that. Make sure that you are doing things right and protecting yourself.
Can I Use My Own Insurance Coverage After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If that hit-and-run driver is found later, you may be able to sue them and get compensation. However, you will have to rely on your own coverage in the meantime. PIP, or personal injury protection, coverage can help you with your medical bills. Other types of coverage may be able to help you with repair costs. Your uninsured driver coverage may also be able to reimburse you for some costs. If your insurance company does not seem like it wants to pay out, a car accident lawyer from our firm may be able to help.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
This can be a tough experience, but you do not need to go through it alone. Contact the Law Offices of George Poulos and tell us more about your situation. We can tell you more about what our firm can do to be of assistance.
