No car accident is ever a good thing, but hit and run accidents can be especially complicated to handle. Without the ability to collect the other driver’s information, you may feel helpless and unsure about what steps to take next.
This article explains what the law considers a hit-and-run accident and outlines four essential tips to follow immediately afterward to ensure your safety and recover your losses as much as possible. From ensuring everyone’s safety and calling the police to documenting details of the accident and contacting your insurance company, these steps will guide you through a challenging situation.
If you find yourself involved in an accident, remember that our reliable 24-hour towing services are available to assist you any time of day. Plus, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about responding to a hit-and-run.
Understanding Hit and Run Accidents: What You Need to Know
A hit and run accident occurs when a person involved in an auto accident fails to remain at the scene until they have fulfilled the following obligations required by law:
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone who has suffered bodily injury, including calling for an ambulance for anyone who requests it or obviously needs medical help.
- Provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license information (if requested) to any person involved in the accident or any investigating police officer.
- Report the accident to law enforcement authorities if no one is present to receive the required information or if circumstances prevent immediate exchange of information.
These legal obligations are designed to ensure the safety and accountability of all parties involved in an accident. However, some drivers choose to flee the scene. This can be due to various reasons, such as wanting to avoid legal consequences because of outstanding warrants, driving without insurance, operating under the influence, or simply panicking in the moment.
If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, taking swift action is critical to protect yourself, your passengers, and your property. Follow these four essential steps to handle the situation effectively.
4 Steps to Follow After a Hit and Run
Step 1 – Get Everybody to Safety
The first and most critical step after a hit and run accident is to get you and everyone with you to safety. If your vehicle is operable, carefully move it out of traffic to a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking area. Once secure, check yourself and your passengers for any injuries and provide first aid if necessary.
If anyone is injured, provide basic first aid if you’re able, and immediately call 911 to request medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s always better to be cautious and have a professional assess the situation.
Step 2 – Call the Police
You should call the police immediately after a hit and run accident because it dramatically increases the chance that the fleeing driver will be found and be held accountable. In addition to this, the police will provide you with a detailed report of the accident, which will help you with your insurance claim. For more general guidance on handling any type of car accident, visit our What to Do After a Car Accident guide.
Step 3 – Write Down What You Remember About the Accident
While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, you can start taking notes to help the police with their investigation. Try to include the color, make, and model of the other vehicle if you can remember them. Of course, if you can remember all or part of the license plate number, that will go a long way toward finding the other driver.
Step 4 – Call Your Insurance Company
If anyone required medical assistance or your vehicle was damaged, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. Your insurance representative will explain your coverage and clarify what is or isn’t covered from the accident. If your vehicle is inoperable, your insurance company may arrange towing services and possibly even a ride home for you and your passengers.
Getting a Tow After a Hit and Run Accident
A hit-and-run can be overwhelming and complicated, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you ever find yourself in an accident and need 24/7 towing or roadside assistance call us at (301) 895-7648. Geyers Towing will be there when you need us most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Accidents
Does Insurance Cover a Hit and Run Accident?
The short answer is yes. Maryland drivers are required to have minimum uninsured motorist coverage, which means that your own insurance company will take the place of the at-fault driver if that driver is uninsured.
However, since Maryland law only requires the minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage, that might not be enough to fully cover you in an accident where significant property damage or bodily injury occurs. Talk to your insurance provider if you want more information about uninsured motorist coverage.
Will a Hit and Run Accident Increase My Insurance Rates?
If you are not the at-fault driver, then no. Insurance companies will not view you as an increased risk just because you were hit by a driver who fled the scene. However, if you commit a hit and run and get caught, you can expect to pay more for insurance coverage for a long time.
Is it Still a Hit and Run Accident if it Wasn’t my Fault?
Absolutely. As described above, a hit and run is unlawful because the driver failed to stay on the scene to administer help and provide the required contact information. It has nothing to do with who was at fault or the extent of the damage or injury that has occurred.
What Should I Document at the Scene of a Hit and Run?
Take photos of your car’s damage, the location, and any debris. Collect witness contact details if possible and write down everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle.
How Do I Get Roadside Assistance After a Hit and Run?
Once you’re safe, you can contact your insurance company to check if your policy includes roadside assistance or towing coverage.
Alternatively, you can reach out to our reliable roadside assistance service directly for 24/7 support to tow your vehicle or provide the help you need quickly and efficiently.
