What Should I Do After A Hit And Run Accident?

If you have been involved in a hit and run accident in Louisiana, don’t let the person who caused the accident get away with it. If you have been injured in the hit and run accident, or your car was damaged in any way, you have the right to contact a lawyer and seek damages for what you have suffered. Hit and run crimes are taken seriously in Louisiana, and our attorneys can help you get justice.

What Is A Hit And Run Accident?

When one driver causes an injury, property damage, or even death, and then flees the scene of the accident, or otherwise refuses to stop and consult the other driver, a hit and run accident has occurred.

Every state has different laws that govern car accidents, especially car accidents of this nature. In the state of Louisiana, hit and runs are typically considered misdemeanors. But, depending on the situation, a felony charge could occur. If the driver of the vehicle was intoxicated, caused an injury or death, or caused other aggravating circumstances, it is possible that they could be charged with a felony.

What Kind Of Evidence Can I Collect From A Hit And RUn Accident?

If you have been hit by a vehicle and the vehicle fled off, you can still recover evidence from the scene of the crime. Sometimes, there are people who witnessed the scene. If this applies to your hit and run accident case, be sure to get a witness testimony from anyone who saw what happened. Take down the witnesses’ contact information and record a testimony of them detailing all the events of the hit and run that they can recall. Eyewitness accounts can be used in court to strengthen your hit and run accident case, so the more information you can get from those at the scene of the crime, the better.

In addition to collecting eyewitness testimonies, be sure to take as many photos as possible of the scene of the crime. Take photos of damage that occurred to your vehicle, and be sure to have the flash on if the accident occurred at night. Take photos of any street signs, stoplights, or anything around you that indicates speed, rules, or road conditions. If there is any inclement weather that could have contributed to the events of the accident, take a photo of that as well. The more photos you have from the scene of the crime, the better. The car that hit you and ran off may be able to be identified by tire tracks or even debris left at the scene, so leave no detail undocumented in your reports.

How Soon Should I Call My Insurance Company After A Hit And Run Accident?

After a hit and run accident, you should inform your insurance company as quickly as possible about what happened. Additionally, it’s important that you call a law enforcement official and file a formal police report at the scene of the car accident. Ideally, you should inform your insurance company within twenty four hours of the crash occurring.

After you involve your insurance company, they will handle the processing of the claim. They may have you wait to repair your vehicle until you receive authorization. While you wait, call a car accident lawyer and ask them about the process of filing a hit and run car accident claim.

Never Chase A Hit And Run Driver

When someone hits your car and then drives off, it’s understandable that you might feel frustrated. However, if you have been involved in a hit and run accident, or witnessed one occur, never chase the driver as they flee. Chasing the other driver only puts you at more risk for damage to your vehicle and further injury, and endangers innocent people around you as well. Plus, if you leave the scene of the crime, you will lose the ability of being able to talk to witnesses. Stay at the scene of the accident and never put yourself, or anyone else, at danger.

Call The Law Office Of Glenn C. McGovern If You Have Been Involved In A Hit And Run Accident In Louisiana

If you or a loved one have been hit by a driver who fled the scene of the crime, you are entitled to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. No one should have to pay the price for damage someone else caused, especially if that person fled the scene of the crime.

Our attorneys work hard, and are skilled in fighting for car accident victims just like you. We offer a free, no obligation consultation for any Louisiana accident victim who is in need of compensation for what they have suffered.