Have you found yourself seriously injured as a result of a driver’s negligence? When it comes to how early you should report a hit and run to the police, time is of the essence.
Experiencing a hit and run can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take immediately can protect your safety and legal rights. If you are involved in a situation where the other driver flees the scene, here are three crucial actions to follow: ensure safety and call 911, gather information at the scene, and inform your insurance company.
In Texas, the statute of limitations gives you 2-years to report a hit and run accident as a crime to the police. However, if you don’t report the accident within 24-hours, you may lose the ability to file an insurance claim, and evidence and witnesses will disappear, weakening the investigation.
Your first priority after any traffic accident is to ensure that you and others involved are safe. If you are able to, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights and, if necessary, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, do not attempt to move them unless they are in immediate danger, as this could worsen their injuries.
Once safety is secured, call 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, contacting law enforcement is essential. A police report provides an official record of the incident, which can be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. When calling, provide clear details about the location, the type of accident, and any injuries. The dispatcher may also provide guidance on handling the situation while waiting for officers to arrive.
After contacting emergency services, it is important to collect as much information as possible while at the scene. Although the other driver has fled, there may still be details that can help law enforcement identify them. Write down a description of the vehicle, including make, model, color, and license plate number if possible. Note any distinguishing features, such as bumper stickers, dents, or damage.
Additionally, gather details about the circumstances of the accident. Record the time, location, and road conditions. Take photos of your vehicle’s damage, skid marks, and any debris on the road. If there were witnesses, politely ask for their contact information and if they would be willing to provide a statement to the police. These details can significantly strengthen your case when reporting the incident and filing an insurance claim.
Once the immediate situation is under control and law enforcement is involved, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of accidents, including hit-and-run accidents, to ensure coverage. Provide your insurer with all the information you have gathered, including the police report number, photographs, and witness contacts.
Your insurance company will guide you through the next steps, which may include filing a claim for property damage, medical expenses, or both. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this can help cover damages caused by the hit-and-run driver. Being thorough and honest in your communication with your insurer is essential, as any missing details could delay or complicate the claims process.
First, the police report will prove the date and time of the accident. This is important because hit and run drivers often claim they were somewhere else at the time of the accident. Without the police report to substantiate the time of the accident, it will become your word against the drivers.
Further, the police report is necessary to make an uninsured motorist claim. If the driver is uninsured or never identified and found, you may have the ability to make an uninsured motorist claim through your own insurance company.
However, they’re going to insist that you have a police report, or they won’t even consider your claim.
Finally, if you decide to file a civil suit against the driver, a police report will be necessary. When police are called to the scene of a hit and run within 24-hours, they’re able to perform a thorough investigation, speak to witnesses, search for clues, and gain access to any security cameras in the area.
Sometimes it’s the police investigation, itself, that provides the most solid evidence of fault.
If you’re rushed to the hospital from the scene of the accident and are unable to speak to the police on the scene, you have other options.
A hit and run can be stressful, but taking the right steps immediately can make a significant difference in protecting your safety, legal rights, and financial interests. Prioritize your well-being by ensuring safety and calling 911, gathering as much information as possible at the scene, and promptly informing your insurance company. Following these three steps can help you navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run with confidence and clarity.
Once you’ve reported the accident to the police, you should seek legal advice right away. Call us at the Felix Gonzalez Law Firm today. We’ll help you walk through several legal options in cohesion with your hit and run report.
