Auto collisions are stressful and terrifying, and often end in tragedy. Whether the accident is a minor fender bender or a dangerous collision, one thing is consistent. All parties involved in the accident should stay at the scene until the police come.
If a driver flees an accident scene, State Farm Insurance provides some tips for the others involved to follow.
The dos and don’ts after a hit and run
Even if someone could catch the fleeing driver, no one should try to track them down. Not only can this put them in a compromising position, but it is also not safe to be chasing down another driver. It is best to let the police handle identifying the other party involved.
Do not hesitate to call an insurance company and the police. A police report can be instrumental if a witness changes their story after filing an accident claim.
Always call 911 or get medical help for anyone injured. Once everyone is healthy and checked out, then it is time to start gathering information.
While a police report is important, it is also a good idea for anyone else injured or with property damage to talk to eyewitnesses and get as much information as possible. This could be photos of the accident, a written statement about what they saw or a detailed description of the other vehicle.
Injuries and property repair after a hit and run
Even those who seem healthy after an accident may deal with injuries down the road. Good record keeping may influence the insurance company down the road when they must pay for expenses, and may help identify the hit-and-run driver.