{"id":733,"date":"2017-06-23T21:13:14","date_gmt":"2017-06-23T21:13:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=733"},"modified":"2023-09-21T02:57:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T02:57:58","slug":"what-to-do-after-hit-and-run-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-insurance-claims\/what-to-do-after-hit-and-run-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting into a hit and run car accident<\/b> can be scary. It\u2019s usually fast, sudden, and shocking. Even though leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, many motorists are forced to file a hit & run insurance claim with their auto insurance policy provider.<\/p>\n

But does car insurance<\/a> cover hit and run accidents? What should you do if you are victim of a hit and run? What steps should you take to make sure you\u2019re protected and the perpetrator gets hit and run charges on their record? By following these simple steps, you can better absorb this panicky scenario and resolve this situation the best way possible.<\/p>\n

Pull Over Safely<\/h2>\n

After your car gets hit, try not to panic. Pull over to a safe spot and take a slow, deep breath to calm yourself. While it is natural to be startled after being struck, being panicked can distract you from the rest of the traffic on the road. This could cause you to possibly collide with other drivers, property, or worse. It\u2019s best to get out of the flow of traffic in order to get your bearings. Check yourself and anyone else that is in the vehicle for injury. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 9-1-1 for medical assistance.<\/p>\n

Once Parked, Call the Police<\/h2>\n

Once you are parked and safely out of traffic, call the police immediately. It is important to file an accident report to the police for two reasons. First, it will get the police involved and assist in finding the culprit who hit you. Secondly, when you file with your insurance company, you will need to have an accident report on file with the police department in order for them to process your hit and run insurance claim.<\/p>\n

Collect, Record, and Remember as Much Information as Possible<\/h2>\n

As you are calling the police, try to gather and remember as much information as you can about the hit and run accident and the car involved. Some important info that could help the police and insurance company to help find the perpetrator and provide evidence for your claim includes:<\/p>\n