NJ Car Accident Attorney: After a Hit and Run, What You Need to Do?
Being involved in a car accident can be a life-changing experience, you might be injured and have no idea how your car will be fixed. This can only be made worse when you are involved in a hit and run. This can often trigger feelings of helplessness and additional stress. A hit and run occurs when a person causes an accident and leaves the scene without stopping or providing information. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, the person who ran can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. NJ Car Accident Attorney will help you do the right thing in case you get involved in a car accident.
Safety First
The most important aspect of any car accident is to ensure the safety of those involved as well as any innocent bystanders. If possible move your vehicle to a safe location while still staying close to the scene. Moving out of traffic can help to prevent any further tragedies. You should also ensure that everyone in your vehicle is safe and responsive. If there are injuries, it is important to call paramedics.
Call 911
Injuries are common in car accidents; even if you feel fine you should contact 911 and request emergency medical services along with law enforcement. You will need law enforcement to document what happened on the scene while paramedics can check you out for any possible injuries. Having your injuries documented can also help draw a connection between the accident and your injuries. This helps your NJ car accident attorney build your case and hold the responsible driver accountable for their actions when found.
Gather Evidence and Information
Since there is no other driver present, it is important to gather witness statements and have them stay to speak to the police. Their testimony will be critical to the police, your insurance company, and your NJ car accident attorney.
It is important to document as much evidence as you can including taking pictures and videos of the accident scene. Do not try to follow the driver as this can actually make things worse. Some examples of information that you should try to gather includes:
- The other vehicles make, color and model
- The directions they are going in
- License plate number or partial pallet number
- Photos of damage to your vehicle
- Description of the damage to the other vehicle.
- Location, date, and time of where the accident occurred
This is the most crucial information in order to find the other vehicle or at a minimum file a claim with your insurance company.
File a Claim
You may think that you are out of luck when it comes to filing a claim with your insurance company. That is not the case, however, especially if you take the right steps to ensure that you have as much documentation as possible related to the car accident. You may not want to file a claim with your insurance company because you do not think they will pay for it. Your insurance provider can and may cover damage to your vehicle and any injuries sustained depending on the details of your policy.
Contact an NJ Car Accident Attorney
The last step is to call an NJ car accident attorney from Rossetti DeVoto, PC, at 856-452-8721. We will review the circumstances of your case and provide an honest evaluation.
