As an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago, I have seen countless cases of hit and run accidents. It is a frustrating and stressful situation for anyone to be in. You come back to your parked car only to find it damaged and the person responsible nowhere to be found. What do you do in such a situation? In this article, I will share my expert tips on what to do after a hit and run accident. First and foremost, it is important to understand that a hit and run accident is a crime.
It is not just a minor inconvenience or an accident that can be brushed off. It is a serious offense and should be treated as such. The first thing you should do is contact the police and file a report. The police can also help you identify the person who crashed into your car. While waiting for the police to arrive, gather as much evidence as possible.
Take photos of your vehicle and the surrounding area. Make sure to capture the time and date, location of the car, and the extent of the damage. This evidence will be crucial in identifying the culprit and seeking compensation. If there were any other vehicles present at the scene, make sure to record their information as well. Your testimony can be valuable if the police file charges against the assailant. Now comes the tricky part - dealing with insurance.
If you have collision coverage, you can use it to repair your damaged car. However, you will have to pay your car insurance deductible. But if the police are able to find the driver responsible for the hit and run, you can file a claim with your insurance company as a no-fault driver whose car was hit by an insured driver. It is important to note that hit and run accidents can have a significant impact on your car insurance premiums. This is why many people choose to flee the scene instead of taking responsibility for their actions.
They may be underinsured or have no insurance at all, or they may simply fear the consequences of a car accident on their insurance rates. But as a victim of a hit and run accident, you should not have to bear the financial burden. This is where an experienced car accident lawyer can help. By working with a lawyer, you can eliminate a lot of stress and confusion and increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation. So, if you ever find yourself in a hit and run accident, remember these expert tips. Contact the police, gather evidence, and seek legal assistance.
With the right steps, you can hold the responsible party accountable and get the compensation you deserve.
