Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is traumatic, especially when your partner is involved. Immediate actions like ensuring safety, gathering evidence, and reporting the incident are essential for well-being and seeking justice. Although the situation may feel chaotic, staying calm and organized will help you navigate the legal and emotional aftermath.
According to AutoInsurance.com, nearly 4 million people are involved in hit-and-run accidents annually, with almost 10,000 fatalities. The South sees the highest number of fatal hit-and-runs, with California leading in total fatalities.
This article provides a guide on actions to take, starting with safeguarding your partner’s well-being, notifying law enforcement, and exploring legal options. These steps can support your partner’s physical and emotional recovery after such a challenging event.
Ensure Your Partner’s Immediate Safety and Health
The priority after a hit-and-run is ensuring your partner’s immediate safety and health. If they’re unresponsive or look seriously hurt, avoid moving them unless there’s an urgent risk.
Contact 911 immediately and share all available details about the accident and their condition. If your partner is conscious, move them to safety, away from traffic, while awaiting emergency responders’ arrival. In cases of suspected head, neck, or spinal injuries, don’t attempt to move them unless necessary.
What if the accident occurs in a location far from a hospital or emergency services?
If the accident occurs in a remote location far from emergency services, call 911 immediately and provide specific information about the location. Emergency dispatchers can guide you through steps to help stabilize your partner while help is on the way. Keep your partner as comfortable as possible, and if they’re in pain, try to manage the situation calmly by providing reassurance.
Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Possible)
If you are in a position to do so, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the surroundings, vehicle position, damage, skid marks, debris, and other relevant details for documentation. Note the color, make, or model of the vehicle involved, along with any identifying features.
Speak with witnesses and ask for their contact information. Look for nearby security cameras that may have captured footage of the incident. Even partial information can be crucial for identifying the responsible driver and aiding law enforcement in their investigation.
Crime Scene Investigator explains that this involves taking photos of tire marks, fragments of vehicle parts, and any remnants of paint or glass. Items like tire impressions or headlight fragments can be compared with those from the suspect’s vehicle. Proper packaging, labeling, and preservation of these materials ensure they remain usable for forensic analysis.
How can I work with law enforcement to retrieve any available surveillance footage?
To retrieve available surveillance footage, work closely with law enforcement by sharing any information you have about potential cameras in the area. If the accident took place near businesses, intersections, or traffic lights, there may be security cameras that capture crucial details. Officers can request footage from these sources, often acting quickly as there is a limited window for retrieval.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
When filing a police report, provide as much detail as possible, including time, location, and vehicle information. Even if you don’t have a full description of the driver or car, submitting a report is essential for the investigation.
Law enforcement will begin their efforts to track down the responsible party and investigate the scene. An official report is necessary for insurance claims and legal purposes, as it provides documented proof of the incident.
Can I file a report even if I don’t have a complete description of the vehicle or the driver?
Yes, you can still file a crash report even if you don’t have a complete description of the vehicle or driver involved. New York law requires filing a report for crashes with over $1,000 in property damage within 10 days. Partial information, such as the vehicle’s make or color, can still be valuable to law enforcement’s investigation.
Pursue Legal Action for Compensation
Following a hit-and-run incident, your partner could have the right to seek financial recovery for medical expenses, missed income, and emotional distress. Working with a personal injury lawyer can clarify the options, such as filing claims against the driver or through insurance. This guidance can be especially crucial, as seen in the case example discussed here.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution states that on October 15, 2024, a tragic hit-and-run killed a 30-year-old woman walking near Lee Food Mart in Atlanta. Police arrived at the scene around 5:30 a.m. and found the woman deceased after the driver fled.
This tragic event highlights the importance of legal assistance, as hit-and-run cases can be difficult to navigate. Local lawyers can help track down the fleeing driver, handle evidence, and file claims according to Atlanta’s laws. They can also assist in securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering, even if the driver is never found.
With the support of an Atlanta car accident lawyer, victims and their families can prioritize healing while the attorney manages the legal details. This professional guidance helps them pursue the compensation they need for a secure recovery.
According to Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm, Georgia’s car accident laws follow a “fault” system, making the at-fault driver responsible for damages. The state’s modified comparative negligence rule allows victims to recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Reach out to your insurance provider promptly following a hit-and-run incident, sharing information such as the police report and any collected evidence. Even if the driver responsible isn’t found, you can still submit a claim through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Progressive states that insurance companies generally have 30 days to investigate your claim, though this can vary by state. More complex claims, such as those involving serious injuries or disputed fault, may take longer to process.
While state laws require timely handling, investigations into coverage or liability details can delay the settlement. By staying proactive and working closely with your insurer, you can help ensure your partner receives the necessary compensation.
Provide Emotional and Psychological Support to Your Partner
Experiencing such events can lead to deep emotional impacts, bringing up emotions like worry, fear, or even self-blame. Be there to listen and support them, allowing them to work through the experience in their own time.
Encourage them to seek professional counseling if needed, as therapy can be a valuable resource for working through emotional challenges. Being there for your partner during this time can provide comfort and reassurance, helping them regain a sense of control and security.
Navigating Through Trauma Together
Responding quickly and thoughtfully when your partner is a hit-and-run victim aids their recovery and pursuit of justice. From ensuring their immediate safety and contacting emergency services to gathering evidence and filing a police report, each step is essential. Pursuing legal action and working with insurance companies ensures compensation for medical expenses while providing emotional support.
