6 Key Actions That Can Support Your Hit-and-Run Case

A hit-and-run accident is an event that can totally change your day. When the other driver just speeds away, it leaves you in a state of confusion as to what to do next. A quick response can thus be instrumental in not only safeguarding your health but also your claim.

St. Petersburg is a lovely place that can be characterized by its sunlit waterfronts, the friendly vibe of the community, and the energetic downtown streets. Such a combination of local drivers and tourists results in the roads being crowded all year round.

Given that there is so much traffic, hit and run accidents have the potential of occurring anywhere, be it at small intersections or along the shorelines of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌highways.

When such an event occurs, getting professional help can ease the process of recovery and legal action. Speaking with a St. Petersburg hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, collect valuable evidence, and take steps that strengthen your case.

In this article, I will explain:

• What to do in a hit and run case?
• How can a lawyer help you?

Therefore, if these are some of the things that you want to know, keep on reading this blog till the end…

What To Do In A Hit And Run Case?

Here are some of the things that you should do in case of a hit and run:

1.​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Contact The Police Immediately

After the crash, a police call is always a must. A formal report becomes a legal record that your insurance company and investigators will use as a base. So, give tons of information as to the car’s model, color, the way it was going, and the license plate number, if you happened to look.

The earlier you inform, the better your claim gets. Police might also be able to locate the nearest surveillance cameras or witnesses who can provide the identity of the driver who fled the scene.

2. Gather And Preserve Evidence

Evidence takes the center stage in work that proves the truth. Snap some pictures of your vehicle, injuries, and property damage. Write down the time, place, and weather. In case you come across any cameras, take a note of their location to talk to them later.

Even the tiniest things, like a broken headlight piece or tire tracks, can turn into helpful clues for the police. Gather all your pieces of evidence and keep them safe.

3. Talk To Witnesses At The Scene

The presence of bystanders can shed light on what the fleeing driver did. Kindly request their contact details and a short note of what they witnessed. The eyewitnesses might remember details like the vehicle model, color, or direction of travel that you might not have noticed.

Such information may later serve as a solid foundation for both the police report and the insurance claim. Thus, it increases the trustworthiness of your version of the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌events.

4.​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Get A Medical Examination Without Delay

If you think that you are harmed lightly, still, go to a doctor at the earliest possible time. There are conditions, such as internal bruising or whiplash, that can only be felt after several hours or days.

Besides this, medical documentation also acts as a witness when you are submitting a claim or asking for a compensation.

Respect the treatment plan and take care of the medical bills and prescriptions that you have. These documents are a reflection of the accident’s impact on your health and also your finances.

5. Let Your Insurance Company Know

Brief your insurer about the occurrence at the earliest possible time after it took place. Provide them with every single document-the police report, photographs, and witness statements. Inquire about uninsured motorist coverage that is most likely to be used when the at-fault driver is not identified.

Your insurance associate will be able to tell you the things to do next and the filing times. If you are still taking action, it will help to prevent delay or dispute of your claim in the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌future.

6. Consult A Legal Professional

Hit-and-run cases can be complex because the responsible driver may never be found. A qualified lawyer can do the following things:

• Investigate.
• Track evidence.
• Represent you during insurance negotiations.

Their experience helps ensure fair treatment and proper compensation. Working with a professional also reduces your stress. You can focus on recovery while your legal team handles communication, paperwork, and deadlines.

How Can A Lawyer Help In A Hit And Run Case?

Now that you know what to do in a hit and run case, let me tell you why you need a lawyer. If​‍​‌‍​‍‌ a person is hit by a vehicle that then flees the scene of the accident, they greatly need a lawyer.

These legal professionals will be able to:

• Investigate the incident.
• Get compensation.
• Handle insurance claims.

On the other hand, if you happen to be the driver who is accused of a hit-and-run, then getting a lawyer would mean that the lawyer can assist you in creating a defense, talking with the prosecutors, and ensuring that your rights are not violated.

1. Investigates And Gathers Evidence

An attorney can do all the necessary arrangements and also evaluate the pieces of the puzzle that eventually may lead to the discovery of the facts of the case, which the law enforcement officials have not come across.

Among these activities are getting the official report, looking for video footage by informing the people of the area, talking to the people who saw the event, and in the case of difficulty, taking the help of experts in accident reconstruction.

2. Handles Communication With Insurers

Insurance companies are always up to the trick of paying less than what is due to you. Thus, your lawyer should be in charge of your communication regarding this issue, should be able to contradict such low offers, and also prevent from your side possible inadvertent utterances that could weaken your case.

3. Assesses And Calculates Damages

Damages are not limited to the initial costs and may also include:

• Expenses for future medical care.
• Loss of wages resulting from a long-term condition.
• Compensation for one’s pain and suffering.

A lawyer can do an accurate calculation of the total amount of your losses so that you would be given the right settlement.

4. Files A Compensation Claim

In the event of a hit-and-run driver not being identified, a lawyer is able to facilitate you in procuring the compensation that is covered by your insurance or by a fund set up by the government for the safety of the untraceable vehicles sector.

5. Represents You In Court

In cases where negotiating a settlement is not an option due to a lack of fairness, your attorney has the ability to file a suit on your behalf and be the one to speak in front of the judge, presenting your case and pushing for the recompense you are entitled ​‍​‌‍​‍‌to.