Being involved in a hit and run can be a distressing experience, but knowing how to respond effectively is crucial for protecting your legal rights and potential claims. Here are seven essential steps you should take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation:
- Document the Offender’s Vehicle: Safety permitting, it’s vital to gather as much information as possible about the fleeing vehicle. If you can, write down the license plate number, even if it’s just a partial. If it’s safe to do so, taking a quick photo of the vehicle can also be incredibly helpful.
- Photograph Your Vehicle’s Damage: Before moving your vehicle, take several clear photos of the damage from different angles. These photographs can serve as important evidence when filing a claim with your insurance or presenting your case in court.
- Report the Incident to the Police: Immediately call the police to report the accident. If the police cannot come to the scene, you are required to file a personal report using the Georgia SR13 form. This step is crucial as failing to report the accident can potentially bar your claims or lead to exclusions in your insurance coverage.
- Check for Surveillance Cameras: Look around the area for any businesses that might have security cameras pointed towards the road. Such footage could be pivotal in identifying the offender. You can request the footage yourself or have an attorney obtain it formally, ensuring that it is preserved before any retention deadlines.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: Contacting a lawyer experienced in hit and run accidents should be done as soon as possible. An attorney can help secure evidence that might otherwise be lost over time, as many businesses only keep surveillance recordings for a short period.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured, it’s important to seek medical treatment immediately, using your health insurance if available. This is not only crucial for your health but also strengthens your legal claim by documenting your injuries. This step becomes even more important if the offender remains unidentified or if you lack Uninsured Motorist Coverage, as it ensures that your medical costs are covered.
- Buy Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage is essential as it applies if you are hit by an uninsured driver or in a hit and run situation. Proactively purchasing this coverage ensures that you and your family are protected if the worst should happen. Making a claim against this coverage does not typically increase your premiums, as it is separate from your main policy and typically involves a nominal premium.
Taking these steps will not only help ensure your safety and health but also strengthen your legal position, allowing you to seek the compensation you may be entitled to effectively. Remember, the aftermath of a hit and run can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Legal professionals at Burrow and Associates are there to guide and support you through the process.
