After a hit and run accident, you should prioritize your safety first and foremost. Seek medical care right away, and as long as you are safe to do so, take a moment to report the crash to police. Also, document as much evidence as possible.
You’ll want to make sure you notify your insurance company about the collision as well. From there, contact a Bronx car accident lawyer for help investigating the incident, collecting important evidence, identifying insurance coverage, and pursuing compensation.
Why You Should Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention After a Hit and Run Accident
Immediately after a hit and run accident, your health and safety should be your top priorities. If you are able to do so safely, move to a secure location away from traffic and call 911.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it is important to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Many accident injuries are not immediately apparent. The following conditions can take hours, if not days or weeks, to produce noticeable symptoms:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
Delaying medical treatment can put your health at risk and may also make it more difficult to connect your injuries to the accident later. A lawyer can help ensure your medical records are properly collected and preserved as evidence.
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The Importance of Calling the Police and Reporting the Accident
An important step to take after a hit and run accident is contacting law enforcement. A police report creates an official record of the incident and may contain valuable information that could help identify the fleeing driver.
Under New York law, drivers involved in accidents that cause injury or property damage are generally required to stop and exchange information. Leaving the scene without doing so may result in criminal penalties per New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600.
When the police arrive, tell them everything you remember about the crash. If you noticed anything about the vehicle that left the scene—such as its color, make, model, license plate number, direction of travel, or any other identifying details—be sure to share that information with the responding officers.
Why You Should Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
If your injuries allow, try to collect evidence before leaving the scene. Evidence gathered in the moments after a crash can become extremely valuable later.
Many hit and run cases are solved because surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, or eyewitness testimony helps identify the fleeing driver.
A lawyer can quickly send preservation requests to businesses, property owners, or government agencies that may have recorded the collision. Because surveillance footage is often deleted within days or weeks, acting quickly can be critical.
How Writing Down Everything You Remember Can Help You
Memories fade surprisingly fast after a traumatic event. As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the accident. It’s helpful if you include as many of these details as possible:
- The date and time of the crash
- Weather conditions
- Traffic conditions
- The location of the accident
- What you saw before impact
- Details about the fleeing vehicle
- Statements made by witnesses
Don’t worry if a detail seems unimportant. Information you remember about the crash can help investigators and attorneys better understand what happened and strengthen your case.
Why You Shouldn’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters by Yourself
Insurance companies often contact accident victims shortly after a claim is opened. While adjusters may appear friendly, their goal is often to minimize payouts whenever possible. These are common tactics in cases like yours:
- Requesting recorded statements
- Asking leading questions
- Suggesting injuries are minor
- Blaming pre-existing conditions
- Offering quick settlements
Accepting an early settlement can be risky because the full extent of your injuries may not yet be known. An attorney can evaluate settlement offers and determine whether they fairly reflect your damages.
For Help Understanding What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident, Call Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers ASAP
Have you been hurt in a hit and run collision? As the victim of this type of crash, you have rights, and Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers can help you take legal action in your case. It all starts with contacting us and letting us know that you need representation.
Your concerns are common among victims of these collisions, but you don’t have to handle them all by yourself. Instead, let an attorney from our law firm investigate the accident, identify available insurance coverage, preserve evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
As your legal team, we’ll do everything we can to pursue the compensation you deserve. All of our clients receive direct access to their attorneys, and we prioritize responsive communication. Come in as a client, leave as a friend. Contact us today!
