Being the victim of a car accident in Massachusetts is stressful and traumatizing. When the other driver takes off, the situation becomes even worse.
This is called a hit and run accident. A hit and run accident happens when a driver involved in an accident flees the scene without exchanging personal and insurance information with you.
You may feel like you are out of luck when it comes to holding someone accountable or receiving compensation for your accident injuries. That is not necessarily true.
Here are some tips for what to do after a hit and run accident.
Do not chase the other driver
Remain at the accident scene. It can be tempting to follow the hit and run driver when you see them feeling but this is a bad idea.
You have just been in a car accident and may be in shock, angry or full of adrenaline. This increases your chance of getting into another accident.
You also do not know anything about the other driver. If they have a weapon or are violent or aggressive, you could be putting yourself in danger.
Additionally, chasing the other does not make you look good. If you want to prove the other driver was at fault, evidence of you taking off after them could make it appear as though you hold some responsibility for the accident, as well.
Check yourself for injuries and seek medical attention for any immediate injuries. If you are injured, call an ambulance and have your injuries treated.
Call the police
Call the police and ask them to write an accident report. You need documentation to prove you were in an accident.
Talk with the police and ask them to help you locate any witnesses to the crash. Speak with any witnesses at the scene. They might have valuable information about what the other driver or their vehicle looked like.
In addition to witnesses, speak with owners of any surrounding businesses or homes to see if the accident was caught on camera.
Take photographs of the accident scene and any of your injuries. Write down other information about the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. Document specifics such as weather conditions, the exact accident location and any other details that you may forget later.
Report the accident to your insurance company
Report the accident to your insurance company a soon as you can. This is where having the police report helps. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company may cover some or all your losses.
Keep documentation of any medical treatment. You will need this to prove your claim for compensation with your insurance company.
Filing an uninsured motorist claim can be complex and your insurance company might not offer you compensation that covers all your losses. As the victim of a hit and run accident, you have legal rights, including the right to fair compensation.
You also have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations in Massachusetts for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years. Having advice and guidance through this is helpful, especially while you recover from your accident.
