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In the first moments after a hit-and-run car accident, it is understandable if you are full of adrenaline and struggling to think clearly. However, it is essential to understand that your actions in the moments, hours, and days that follow a hit-and-run collision can protect your health and also help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Following this step-by-step guide on what to do after a hit-and-run car accident can help you remain safe and build a strong foundation for your personal injury claim.
What you do in the first minute after a crash can make a life-or-death difference. Prioritize safety by doing the following:
Remember that adrenaline and shock often combine to mask serious injuries, and certain injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding do not always show symptoms right away. You should always seek prompt medical attention regardless of how you feel after an accident. Doing so not only protects your health but also creates vital documentation for building your claim.
After you address immediate safety concerns, begin documenting the scene if you are able. The driver may have fled, but the physical evidence left behind can often tell the story.
If you saw the fleeing vehicle, note every detail you remember, including:
Write these details down immediately. Recording the information using your smartphone’s video or voice recording feature could be the easiest way. Memory fades quickly, especially under stress. Even minor details that seem unimportant could prove crucial in identifying the fleeing driver.
Use your phone’s camera to document the following:
Look around the area for businesses or homes with surveillance cameras that may have recorded the incident or captured images of the fleeing driver. If you spot one, note the location so the police and your attorney can follow up. Remember that surveillance systems often overwrite videos within days, so acting quickly can protect valuable evidence.
Witnesses can make the difference between a stalled hit-and-run investigation and a successful claim. Eyewitness testimony can provide a credible, unbiased account of how the accident occurred, and witnesses may offer critical details about the fleeing vehicle.
If anyone saw the accident, act quickly to gather the following before they leave the scene:
Encourage witnesses to remain at the scene until officers arrive. Their statements could carry more weight when they speak directly to law enforcement.
Noting the surrounding area can help strengthen your claim and identify the hit-and-run driver. Pay attention to environmental details like:
You should report a hit-and-run crash to the police right away. A formal police report creates an official record of the incident and provides key details that your attorney can use to build your claim. If you do not call the police, and your vehicle appears to have sustained at least $1,000 in damage, you must submit a written report to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days.
For hit-and-run accidents in Greenville, contact 911 for the emergency line, or 864-271-5333 for the Greenville Police Department non-emergency line.
When law enforcement officers arrive, provide clear and accurate information by sticking to the basic facts. Do not speculate or guess, as you may unintentionally harm your claim. Ask the responding officer how to obtain a copy of the accident report before leaving the scene.
After speaking with law enforcement, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide only basic details about the crash, and avoid offering recorded statements without first speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters could twist your words against you to minimize your payout.
Seek medical attention the same day, even if injuries seem minor or you feel fine at first. Greenville offers several emergency care options, including Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital and Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown.
Insurance companies often argue that delays in care indicate that your injuries are not connected to the accident or that they are not as serious as you suggest. Clear documentation from a prompt visit to a healthcare provider can swiftly dismantle those arguments.
The hours and days following a hit-and-run matter just as much as the first few minutes. Take the following steps to protect your legal claim:
Create an organized file containing documentation, such as:
Track your symptoms in a daily journal, recording pain levels, mobility limitations, sleep disruption, and emotional distress. This documentation supports your claim for pain and suffering compensation.
Insurance companies frequently monitor social media accounts for evidence to weaken your claim. Do not post photos, make comments, or give updates about the crash and your injuries, and avoid posting on social media in general until your case’s resolution, if at all possible.
Consistent treatment demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries. Attend every follow-up appointment, complete recommended physical therapy, take medications as directed, and follow any other orders from your doctor to the letter.
You may not know what to do in a hit-and-run accident, but our experienced personal injury attorneys do. Our lawyers can take on the legal burden and pursue all potential avenues for compensation while you focus on recovery.
Your options could include pursuing a liability insurance claim against the at-fault driver if they are located, or an uninsured motorist coverage claim with your own insurance company if the other driver is never found.
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your hit-and-run case could be.
The team at The Melonakos Law Firm has extensive experience leading injured South Carolina hit-and-run victims through the legal process and helping them pursue the maximum compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for your free consultation with a personal injury attorney at our law firm.
