What Should I Do If I’m the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident?

In early January, two women were injured in a hit and run accident, according to The Edwardsville Intelligencer. Per the report, the two-vehicle crash happened just before 11 a.m. on Route 157 in Edwardsville. Reportedly, it was a rear-end wreck. After the collision, one of the drivers fled the scene in her vehicle. The driver and passenger in the automobile that remained at the scene had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. Their injuries were non-life threatening.

A witness provided Edwardsville Police Department officers with a description of the vehicle that fled the scene. The witness also provided the EPD with the vehicle’s license plate number. The EPD used the information to track down the vehicle and its driver. The driver was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident and as of this writing, was being held at the Madison County Jail.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, you should do the following:

• If anyone is injured, seek immediate medical attention
• Call 911 and do not hang up on the 911 operator until he or she tells you it is okay to do so
• Do not attempt to follow the driver who flees
• Take pictures of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle and your injuries
• Get your vehicle off the road if you are able
• Write down everything you remember from the accident, including the description of the other car or truck involved, license number of the other vehicle and sequence of events
• Get the contact information for anyone who witnessed the wreck
• Unless it is not medically possible to do so, stay at the accident scene until the police arrive and say it is okay for you to leave
• Tell the police what happened but do not admit fault
• Call your insurance company and report the accident but do not admit fault
• Speak to a personal injury lawyer with a history of success about your situation

Even if the hit-and-run driver is found, arrested and convicted of criminal charges, you should still talk to an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney. A criminal conviction does not help injury victims and their families with hospital bills, vehicle and property damage, lost wages if your injuries force you to miss work, rehabilitation expenses and funeral costs. However, pursuing a personal injury claim against the other driver and his or her insurance provider can help victims and families secure the financial help they need following a hit-and-run accident.

The information provided by Walton Telken, LLC in this Blog is not intended to be legal advice, but merely provides general information related to common legal issues. This Blog, and the information contained within it, is Attorney Advertisement. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.