What to Do After a Hit and Run: Guide for Victims & Witnesses

A hit-and-run accident can be terrifying and damaging, so knowing what to do after can be difficult. Usually, those who remain behind when a driver leaves the scene are stunned and not sure how to proceed — both victims and witnesses.

We can all hope that we’ll never find ourselves in this situation, but knowing how to report a hit and run and what to do if you are the one who is hit can make a big difference in the aftermath of the accident. 

To protect yourself in case of any accident, reach out to Farm Bureau to discuss the coverage that’s best for you. 

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit and run occurs when a driver hits someone — a pedestrian or another driver — and then leaves the scene of the collision without acknowledgement or an attempt to make it right. 

What to Do if You Witness a Hit and Run

Step 1: Get to a Safe Place

After a hit and run takes place, it can be easy to lose your head. But if you are present when the collision happens, the first thing you should do is make sure you are safe. Pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights, which will keep other people in the area safe as well. Once you are in a safe place, you can continue to follow the steps to report the collision.

Step 2: Record as Much Information as Possible

Now it’s time to get as much information recorded as possible before it fades from memory. Either on a pad of paper or on your phone, write down any details you can immediately remember about the car that left the scene. Useful information includes a license plate number, make and model of the car, description of the driver and so on.

It’s probably not likely that you are able to take photos of the car, but if you can, those are helpful as well. Having this information will be helpful to law enforcement.

Step 3: Call Emergency Services

Don’t assume that anyone else on the scene has called emergency services, such as the police. Asking others if they have may waste valuable time.

Call 911 and be prepared to calmly give as much information as you can as rapidly as possible. The operator will need to know your location and any other relevant details you can provide.

Step 4: Leave a Note, if Possible

If you witness a minor car accident, like someone bumping a car in the parking lot and then leaving, leave a note on the victim’s car. Let them know you witnessed the damage and leave your contact information so they can get in touch with you. The information you can provide may be helpful to them in filing a claim with their insurance or with law enforcement.

Step 5: Be Prepared for Witness Statements

The police and insurance providers may wish to get a witness statement from you about the accident that you saw. This will include details like identifying information and what you remember about the accident.

You may also be asked for your perspective on how the crash happened. A signature will likely be requested. Remember, giving this information will help the victim.

What to Do if You’re the Victim of a Hit and Run

Being the victim of a hit and run is undoubtedly frightening. When another driver hits you or your car and drives away, you’re left with damage and no one to take responsibility. You can feel helpless to do anything. 

But there are some things that you can do if you are the victim of a hit and run. Below are the steps you should take.

Step 1: Stay at the Scene

Never leave the scene of an accident. Remaining at the scene allows police to assess what happened and collect information for the official report which will come in handy later. Ensure that you’re physically safe but stay as close to the scene as possible.

Step 2: Take Down Driver Information

If possible, record any information that you can collect about the driver that left the scene. Maybe you remember the make and model of their car, the direction they were driving or possibly even a few digits of their license plate. You probably didn’t get a photograph of their car, but if you did, that’s helpful too. Any identifying information you are able to provide to the police may help.

Step 3: Call the Police

Once you have written down everything you can remember, call 911 and calmly inform them that you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Be prepared to tell them where you are.

When the police arrive, you’ll walk them through what happened and file an official police report. Your insurance provider will likely request a copy of this report.

Step 4: Document Damages

Take as many pictures of the damage to your vehicle at the scene as you can. Showing the physical damage to your vehicle at the scene will give police and your insurance provider the most accurate depiction of what happened. It’s also important to record evidence of any bodily injury, providing pictures if applicable. 

Step 5: Identify Witnesses

As you’re able, make note of all individuals who may have witnessed the accident occur and collect their contact information. Their account of what happened can be useful in processing your claim.

Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Company

Once a police report has been filed and you’ve documented the damage, it’s time to file an insurance claim with your provider. Depending on your provider, it’s likely that the hit-and-run insurance claim process is the same as filing any auto insurance claim. They will walk you through what is needed.

What Not to Do After a Hit and Run

In any accident, but especially a hit and run, there are certain actions you should avoid for safety reasons. Your safety is paramount! DO NOT do these three things after an accident, especially a hit and run. 

Tip 1: Don’t Attempt to Follow the Driver

You might be tempted to take off as fast as you can and follow the driver, especially if you are feeling angry, but this could lead to an unsafe situation. You could potentially get in another auto accident. Or the driver of the car could be a threat to you.

It’s not worth it. You should instead remain at the scene of the accident and make note of any details about the individual or their car.

Tip 2: Don’t Hesitate to Call the Police

In the stress and bewilderment of the moment, you might not want to get the police involved. But a hit-and-run accident is a crime and should always be reported to the local police department. Don’t hesitate to give them a call. You may protect other potential victims this way.

Tip 3: Don’t Neglect to Seek Medical Attention

Right after a hit and run, you may be in shock, which often means that medical issues don’t immediately present as pain. In fact, right after an accident, minor aches and pains can be easy to dismiss, but they may develop into a larger issue later.

You may also not be competent to diagnose issues like a concussion. It’s always wise to seek medical help after an accident to ensure that you are okay and there are no medical needs that should be noted as part of the accident and your insurance claims.

Find an Agent You Trust

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is never pleasant. But a knowledgeable and trusted agent can make all the difference in this process. Reach out to Farm Bureau today to make sure you have the right auto coverage for when the unexpected happens.