Injured in a hit-and-run? What you should do.

On Behalf of | Jul 23, 2020 | Personal Injury |

Auto accidents happen so fast. They are overwhelming and scary, and often even more so if the reckless driver at fault speeds away without any regard for the damage he or she caused.

And, unfortunately, it seems that hit-and-run accidents are only happening more frequently.

Hit-and-runs have increased over the years

A 2018 report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that hit-and-run accidents have reached an unprecedented high in the last few years. The study found that:

  • There have been nearly 682,000 hit-and-run accidents each year since 2006;
  • Fatalities are increasing in these accidents at a rate of roughly 7.2% each year; and
  • 65% of the fatal hit-and-run accidents involved either pedestrians or bicyclists.

These accidents can be frightening, whether or not the individual involved in the accident is a pedestrian or motorist.

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

The aftermath of a hit-and-run could leave anyone in shock, but individuals must:

  1. Call 911: It is critical to call emergency responders as soon as possible after a hit-and-run. That way, North Carolina police will arrive to take statements and file a police report of the accident. This can be critical to locate the reckless driver.
  2. Seek medical attention: Calling 911 also ensures that emergency medical technicians will arrive on the scene. Then, injured individuals can obtain the medical attention they need after the accident.
  3. Record the details of the accident: It can be difficult for individuals to remember the details of an accident that left them injured. That is understandable, but their loved ones should ensure they document the details of the crash that the individual does remember. It is also helpful to obtain witness statements. Witnesses might be able to recall the model and color of the car or even the license plate. Recording the details is helpful not only to file the police report but also to make the insurance claim.

Individuals must remember these steps if they are injured in a hit-and-run accident. However, anyone on the road, whether they are a pedestrian or driver, should ensure they follow traffic laws and be consciously aware of their surroundings to stay safe.

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