How Should You Handle a Hit-And-Accident
The world of driving is full of both joy and danger. We all take the wheel, hoping that we will not be involved in a car accident, but most drivers will hit another vehicle because their attention is divided at some point or another.
A hit-and-run accident leaves the driver who caused the accident fleeing the scene, and it can be a terrifying experience. Drivers may choose to flee the accident scene for many reasons, but regardless of the reason, they are not thinking clearly and could cause even more damage if they drive away. If you are involved in this type of accident, follow some steps.
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Remain calm and assess the situation
If you are able, get out of your car and look at the damage. If you can move your vehicle, get it to the roadside away from traffic to prevent potential accidents. If there are injuries, do not move the cars and call for help. Take pictures of any possible damage to both vehicles, and get witness names and contact information. If possible, talk to any witnesses who saw what happened.
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Do Not Leave The Accident Scene
There are very few reasons why leaving the scene of an accident would be better than staying:
- If you leave, you could be charged with a hit and run, a felony.
- If there are injuries, notifying emergency services is crucial, and they will be able to track your car based on the damage.
- If there is significant property damage, exchanging information with the other driver is vital so that both parties can file a claim.
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File a police report
Do not just assume that the other driver will file a report on your car accident; you need to file one yourself. Even if they flee the scene, you can still file a police report. This will be your best chance of getting any compensation for damages done to your car or injuries suffered in the accident.
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Contact your insurance company
Let your insurance company know what happened and provide them with all of the information you have gathered. They will help you through the process of getting your car repaired or reimbursed for damages. Hit-and-run accidents can be frightening experiences, but by following these steps, you can make sure that you do everything possible to get the compensation you deserve.
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Find a car accident lawyer
If the accident was severe and you are considering legal action, it is best to contact a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you get the most out of your case and may be able to get you a settlement without going to court. If you have to go to court, your attorney will represent you.
To summarize, hit-and-run accidents are where the responsible driver leaves the accident scene. If you get into such an accident, the first thing to do is remain calm and assess the situation. Also, resist the temptation to leave the accident scene and file a police report. You can then contact your insurance company and call a Tucson Car Accident Attorney.