Hit-and-run accidents: How to handle them

 Have you ever found yourself the victim of a hit-and-run accident? This type of car accident is particularly stressful because when it's over, you find yourself left without another driver to deal with the aftermath. In this type of collision, the other driver hits you and then flees the scene to avoid taking the blame for it (and to avoid paying for anything). 

However, fleeing the scene of a car accident is illegal. In fact, if someone sustains an injury or is killed in a hit-and-run accident in the state of North Carolina, the driver who flees the scene is up for felony charges. That's how serious it is, and that's why it's so imperative that you stay at the scene of an accident, especially if it's your fault. 

What should you do after a hit-and-run accident? 

But what can you do if you're the victim of a hit-and-run accident? When the other driver flees the scene, you don't have anyone to pay for medical bills and damages to your car (not to mention it's infuriating). Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help - check out these quick tips on how to handle a hit-and-run accident with as little stress as possible. 

Step #1: Call for emergency medical help if necessary. The first thing you should do after any type of car accident is figure out if you or any of your passengers are injured. If you're in need of medical attention, be sure to call emergency services and get them to the scene of the accident as quickly as possible. 

Step #2: Get the police to the scene. Next, you should contact the police. You'll want them to come to the scene so they can document the accident and file a police report for you, which you'll need for your car insurance company. Additionally, this is when you can give them the necessary information for them to pursue (and hopefully catch) the other driver. Be sure to ask for a copy of all documentation as well as a contact number where you can follow up on the status of the case. 

Step #3: Document everything as soon as you can. Write everything down as soon as you possibly can so you can remember all of the details. You'll want to record things like: 

• When and where the accident happened - the date and time, location, cross streets, landmarks, etc. 
• What the other driver looked like
• What the other car looked like - make, model, color, and any notable accessories, sticker, or accident damage on the vehicle 
• What happened, step by step 
• What direction the other driver headed in as they fled 
• Any damage to your vehicle as well as injuries to you and your passengers

It's also helpful to take photos of everything, even the scene, for the police and your insurance company. 

Step #4: Gather your witnesses. If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask them to stick around long enough so you can at least get their contact information. If they're willing to give a statement to the police, have them do it, and also get them to write down their account of the hit-and-run accident for you to have. 

Step #5: Get in touch with your insurance company. Now it's time to call your insurance company so you can report the hit-and-run accident and file a claim. If you have injuries, you'll want to use your Personal Injury Protection coverage to pay for your medical bills, and you may also want to ask about your Underinsured Motorist and Uninsured Motorist coverage. 

Schedule auto repairs at Toyota of N Charlotte after a hit-and-run accident 

Finally, schedule an appointment with our N Charlotte Toyota body shop! Our techs can get your car back into like-new condition after a hit-and-run accident and get you back on the road. We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2040 and conveniently located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville - find us at 13429 Statesville Road.