Hit and run accidents, and the deaths resulting from them, are at an all-time high in the United States, as people struggle to get justice for the damage, loss of life, injury, and trauma caused by them. Often, these cases can be difficult to solve and take years, before inevitably going cold and bringing no closure to the families of the victims.

It’s important to know that it’s not the accident that’s criminal; it’s abandoning the site and taking off that is. This is why drivers who find that they’ve been in accidents or collisions should not abandon the victim.

If you ever find that you’ve been involved in a hit and run case, and your vehicle or person has been harmed, here’s what you should do immediately:

Call emergency services for injuries

Call emergency services immediately and report any injuries and physical harm to them so they may offer instant help and assistance. It's vital that you contact them without delay because not all injuries are apparent; if your loved one is unconscious, has been directly impacted or hit, or is bleeding, follow these instructions to keep them safe.

Report the crime to local law enforcement

If there are no injuries, or those are being dealt with, report the case to law enforcement without delay. This will ensure that police are involved right away; they wll swiftly begin their investigation and interventions, whether that’s tracking down the vehicle or working on identifying the driver. The longer you take to report your case to your local accident and collision reporting center, the longer it will take to process.



Gather any and all witnesses in the area

If you’re able to speak to eyewitnesses, get down their contact information or refer them to law enforcement to help in the near future. Eyewitness accounts are essential for court cases and insurance investigations, so having their information and agreement to the investigation is vital.

Get photographs of the damage done

Use your phone to take photos if possible, and assess the damage there. Debris, dents, damage, paint transfer all make for important evidence in case of an investigation, so be sure to safely photograph the site of the collision.

Inform your insurance provider and lawyer

In the same way, you need to inform your local law enforcement, you should also alert your insurance agent and personal injury lawyers about your accident. Both parties will help you get the claim you need for damages caused by the incident. Your lawyer will also help you press charges and fight your case, as well as represent you in insurance evaluations if necessary.

Alongside a lawyer and insurance agent, you should reach out to us. We offer vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle accident reconstruction using forensic biomechanics and other expert techniques. If you're the legal counsel or personal injury litigation, you can contact us to help with your client.