A “hit-and-run” is defined as an accident after which a driver leaves the scene of the crash before any information can be exchanged. Examples include:

• A car hits a pedestrian, then speeds away.

• A car hits a parked vehicle and leaves without leaving contact information.

• Two drivers collide and one flees the scene rather than pull over and exchange information.

Usually, damage and medical claims related to a hit-and-run are paid for by your own car insurance company.

• Note: For this reason, it is important to try and gather enough information to prove that your case is not fraudulent.

If you are injured in a hit-and-run, the assistance of a personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages to cover your medical bills, related expenses, and lost wages.

The most important thing you can do as the victim of a hit-and-run is obtain as much information as possible.

If you have been seriously injured, ask someone to call 911. If you are not injured you need to document the following:

● The color, make, and model of the vehicle

● License plate number of the fleeing vehicle

● Any other identifying information such as the driver’s appearance.

Check the scene for any other witnesses who may be able to validate your story and get their contact information.

If you are not seriously injured, call the police to come to the scene of the accident. This is very helpful to have in the insurance claims process. Before you leave the scene of the hit-and-run, take note of the location and time at which the accident occurred, and take pictures (including pictures of your car and any telltale signs left by the other vehicle).

When you’ve got the accident report and information together, contact your insurance company to file a hit-and-run claim.

First and foremost, seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained (even if you think you feel okay, you may need to be examined for a concussion, broken bones, internal bleeding, organ damage, etc).

As much as you can, try to remember or take note of the same information mentioned on the previous slides.

If other witnesses come to your aid, be sure to get their contact information for future reference.

If 911 has not already been called to respond to your situation, call the police to obtain an accident report.

When you’ve been cleared by medical professionals and have all your information in order, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to file a hit-and-run claim.

Your injury attorney will help you seek damages for your medical bill concerns.

Even with the most information you could gather, you’re already at a disadvantage without the other person’s cooperation.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, you have every legal right to sue the other driver for punitive damages as a result of their reckless behavior.

An experienced car accident lawyer can support you throughout your claim, as well as seek the compensation you deserve from the offending driver.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a hit-and-run, you need to

CALL (800) 722-9744 NOW to speak to an experienced

injury attorney for FREE. For more information, visit our website at www.shumanlegal.com.

Since 1996, the Law Offices of Marc J. Shuman & Associates has been helping hit-and-run victims, all injured victims and their families navigate the complex legal process. As experienced personal injury, worker’s compensation, auto accidents, compensated and wrongful death attorneys, we can help you evaluate the facts, assess your options, navigate the legal challenges, and advocate on your behalf. Marc J. Shuman & Associates has over 77 combined years of experience advocating for over 10,000 injury victims and their families recovering over 50 million dollars on their behalf. We advocate on your behalf, so you can focus on the task of recovery.

• http://www.dmv.org/tips-for-handling-a-hit-and-run-driver-claim.php

• https://www.esurance.com/info/claims/hit-and-run-claims

• http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/auto-accident/liability-compensation-hit-run.html#