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What to do after a hit-and-run accident

Any car accident can be life-threatening and life-altering, but hit and runs present a unique situation, since you cannot file a claim against a driver you cannot identify. During the panic of realizing the other driver has fled, you may not have the mental presence to decide what you should do next.

It is important to remain calm and remember these important steps to take:

Call the police – Calling the police immediately after an accident is essential, especially if it was a hit-and-run accident. Also, report any injuries you suffered to the authorities and let them know if you require an ambulance.

Take pictures of the scene – If you are driving, it is important to pull off the road to a safe location.If you have your phone on you, capture images of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. Try to include the location or the way the car might have been coming from when it hit you. This could be important evidence in an insurance claim or legal proceeding.

Talk to witnesses – It is important to talk to anyone who might have seen the accident occur. Make sure to take down their name and contact information. If there wasn’t anyone around, try to acquire video surveillance footage of the area that might show the accident occurring.

Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, it is important to consult a physician after a car accident. There might be internal issues you aren’t aware of. Additionally, people can go into shock right after an accident and might not feel their injuries right away. Documentation of these injuries is necessary to show they are the direct result of the accident.

Hit-and-run crashes are at an all-time high. There are an average of t-and-run accidents each year. Arizona law requires drivers involved in a car accident to stay at the scene until the police arrive. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, consider contacting an attorney right away to understand the process moving forward.

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