Madison Genthry 
Hit-and-run accidents are usually frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming. That’s because you initially don’t know what to do. You’re stuck with broken property and injuries while the perpetrator has fled the scene.
Over the last ten years, hit-and-runs have spiked by 89% in America. In March 2024, Ellie Bentley (only 22) was in the intensive care unit for two weeks after being dragged for two blocks by a speeding vehicle.
Witnesses say that once the driver realized what was going on, they drove away in a hurry. Unfortunately, such incidents are really hard to solve because of the lack of evidence, legal help, etc.
But what if there’s a way to hold the liable parties accountable for hit-and-run accidents? In this blog, we will discuss the things you should do after such an accident to help catch the perpetrator.
Ensure Your Safety: Call the Police and Get Medical Attention
The first thing you should do immediately after a hit-and-run accident is call the law enforcement authorities and paramedics. But before they arrive, turn on your car’s hazard lights to avoid further accidents. You should also assess your injuries to make it easier to seek medical help.
Seeking prompt medical attention will help diagnose delayed symptoms and internal bleeding. Even minor injuries should be documented to gain an optimal settlement from the perpetrators. These initial assessments help build a medical record that becomes vital evidence during insurance claims or legal proceedings.
After the checkup, you must report the hit-and-run accident to the police. Give detailed information about the time, location, and your injuries. Even if it’s vague, you should let them know the tiniest details about the fleeing vehicle. Cooperating with the police will help get the investigation started, and the law will be in your favor.
Choose a Legal Route: Consult a Local Attorney
After you’re cleared of any injuries and report the incident, you can seek help from a local lawyer specializing in hit-and-run accidents. According to TorHoerman Law, lawyers play a crucial role in negotiating with insurance companies and gathering information from law enforcement. They’ll help you obtain evidence, interpret police reports, and ensure the authenticity of relevant data.
However, you cannot hire a lawyer from a different state or locality because they won’t know the exact rules in your area. Let’s say you met with a hit-and-run accident in the tight community of St. Louis, Missouri. In that case, you’ll need to hire a registered attorney who passed the Uniform Bar Examination set by the Missouri Bar Association.
You’ll need a car accident lawyer in St. Louis who specializes in hit-and-run incidents and is well-versed in the city’s traffic regulations. These lawyers can explore all avenues of compensation, including insurance and liability claims. Therefore, they will offer tailored advice to help you navigate the legalities of your complex case.
The lawyers will especially work with an accident reconstruction expert. These individuals can help recreate the scene and offer valuable insight into the hit-and-run incident. As a result, this makes it easy for the lawyer to determine liability, assess the damages, and eventually negotiate a settlement.
Gather Proof: Look For Evidence of the Hit-And-Run
In most car accidents, the proof collected by victims (on the accused parties) acts as solid evidence in court or for the insurance company. However, the same cannot be said in a hit-and-run case. You won’t have any information on the perpetrators to share with the authorities, lawyers, or insurers.
That’s why you have to settle for witness statements to aid the investigation. In such cases, witnesses can provide valuable perspectives. Therefore, remember to gather their names, statements of what they saw, and contact information.
Moreover, you must check for security, traffic, or dashboard cameras in the vicinity. These will help identify the perpetrators. You can also document the accident scene. Take photos and videos to capture visible damage to your property. Skid marks and debris on the road can also help determine fault once the accident is reconstructed.
The legal industry believes you shouldn’t post anything about car accidents on social media. Everything you say or do on these platforms can be used as evidence against you in court. For instance, the defendants can try to prove that you’re intentionally bad-mouthing them.
However, the same doesn’t apply to hit-and-run cases. Instead, you’ll need all the help you can get to catch the perpetrators.
Once you get home, you can share a video of you detailing the accident without disclosing any investigative or personal details. Moreover, try to share your story with local news outlets to help locate the responsible party and hold them accountable.
You can also use community forums to share this information. Doing so can spread awareness about this incident in your city and locality. Sometimes, it can also help you gather valuable information about the perpetrators.
In conclusion, hit-and-runs have unfortunately become a common occurrence across the country. That’s why everyone needs to be aware of what to do after being a victim of such an accident.
First, you must ensure your safety by calling the police and seeking medical help. Once cleared, it’s time to gather evidence and call your lawyer. You can also use social media to tell your story and get help from the community. But remember to always follow up and stay informed about your case’s progress.
