A “hit and run” accident occurs when  the driver of a vehicle intentionally leaves the scene of an accident without identifying themselves, stopping to offer help, rendering aid to the injured or providing contact and insurance information. If damage has been caused to another person’s property or vehicle in the absence of the owners, the obligation still remains on the driver to leave a note providing contact information. Almost all countries and jurisdictions consider this to be a crime. In the early days of the automobile, road conditions were poor, people wore goggles and driving gear that made them difficult to identify and vehicles did not have license plates. However, today, no driver can leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information or waiting for the authorities to arrive. This is a violation of the  law. Our accident injury lawyers available 24×7 can assist you immediately. Your insurance company has to compensate you for damages, medical expenses and rehabilitation.

When You Are the Victim of a Hit and Run

Our free consultation injury lawyers can advise you on the steps to be taken. Whether the damage caused was minor or serious, as the victim of a hit and run, the rage and confusion that one feels could prevent one from thinking on one’s feet. But even if there are no witnesses, poor visibility and the other car was too fast to note down the license number, there are still certain things that you can do to ensure that your insurance company compensates you for the damages. If you are injured, call for medical help immediately. Otherwise:

• Stay calm
• Try to remember as many details as you can – the make, color, model of the vehicle
• Note any distinguishing features like bumper stickers, decals etc
• Anything you remember about the driver and other passengers regarding age, sex, race etc
• Check if there are traffic cameras nearby
• Note down whatever part of the license number you remember
• If there are witnesses, talk to them and note down the details they remember
• Get contact information of witnesses
• If your car was legally parked and was hit, check if there is CCTV camera footage or eyewitnesses
• Take photographs of the damage and injuries
• Contact a 24×7 personal injury lawyer immediately

The next priority is to inform the police. Since a hit and run is a serious criminal offense, it needs to be reported immediately so that there is a possibility of stopping the driver. If you are not injured and if you were driving at the time, ensure that you move your vehicle to safety and wait patiently for the police to arrive. Find a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so that they can advise you correctly.

Finally, it is your duty to also inform your insurance company about the accident. This should be done after a police report has been filed and only then will your insurers take your claim. Hit and run accidents are handled by your own insurance company as there is no other party that can be cited.

What Not To Do

• Never chase, obstruct or try to confront the other driver
• If you’re not injured, don’t block traffic, move your vehicle to the side after taking photos
• Never try to settle with the other driver if you’re able to catch them

People usually flee accident scenes because they are not insured or they don’t have the proper valid licenses. This is why it is obligatory on every driver’s part to keep a current license and insurance policy.

Insurance Claims

In most cases, the hit and run accident is treated as being caused by an uninsured motorist. Our car accident lawyers  can ensure that if your policy has coverage for damage by uninsured motorist, your insurer will have to make a pay-out. Typically, they may delay, deny or minimize your claims, try to reduce the extent of damage etc. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can assist you with filing your claims on time and in the proper format, backed by strong evidence.

If You Have Caused An Accident

In some cases, you may be the person responsible for the accident. In such a case, you have not only a moral but also a legal duty to remain at the scene of the accident and render all possible assistance to those who are injured. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime if the accident seriously injures or kills someone. Apart from criminal liabilities, you could also face civil action.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333 or Text a Personal Injury ‎Lawyer 24/7 and get instant help.TM (416 931 5015)