Although leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense, it unfortunately does not stop hit-and-runs from occurring. That means it’s important for Dallas-area drivers to know exactly what to do if they ever find themselves in this predicament.
If you are ever involved in a hit-and-run accident, these are the proper steps to take:
Stay on the Scene
When you are involved in a hit-and-run, it may be tempting to chase the other driver down and hold them accountable. However, it’s important that you stay on the scene of the accident regardless of who is at fault. Not only is it risky to follow the other driver, but it could interfere with the police report and cause you to get in trouble as well.
Following the collision, pull your vehicle over to the shoulder (if possible), then proceed with the steps below.
Call 911 Right Away
This step may seem obvious, but it’s imperative to call the police and report the hit-and-run as soon as possible. If you can, be sure to provide details on the other vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate number and direction of travel. That way, the dispatcher can put an alert out for officers patrolling nearby areas to keep an eye out for any vehicle meeting that description.
Even if you don’t have much information on the other driver and/or the damage wasn’t excessive, it’s still important to get a police report. It will come in handy during the insurance claim process.
Record All of the Details
As a rule of thumb, keeping a pad of paper and a pen in your glove box is always a good idea, especially in the unfortunate chance you are involved in a car accident.
Though a hit-and-run may take you completely by surprise, it’s important to take down everything you remember as soon as it’s safe to do so. This way, you won’t leave out or forget any details when relaying the events to law enforcement and, later, your insurance agent.
In addition to writing down the details, take photos of the damage and the scene of the collision. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their names and information, too.
Call Your Insurance Company
Whether you’ve got a crumpled fender or door dent, chances are you want your vehicle repaired as soon as possible! Filing an insurance claim right away will put you on the path towards getting your Volvo car or SUV looking as good as new again.
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