Steps to take after a hit-and-run

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

A car accident is a traumatic event in and of itself, especially if you or a loved one sustains injuries. Frustration levels may rise when the person responsible flees from the scene. Apart from feeling insulted by such insensitivity, you now have to worry about lost wages, medical bills and car repair costs.

Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance policy should cover your accident-related expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, you must follow the requirements, such as a police report, in your policy before you can recover damages.

Fortunately, there are still ways to find out who hit your car or recover damages. The most important thing is to gather evidence. Below are some steps to take immediately after a hit-and-run:

1. If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Delaying medical treatment may worsen their injuries.
2. Look around for potential witnesses and gather their contact information. Some of them may have taken photos of the collision. Others might remember essential details like the at-fault driver’s car model and license plate number.
3. Take photos and videos of the scene. It is easy to forget things when everything is happening all at once. Noting the details of your accident may help identify the at-fault driver.
4. File a police report and provide as much detail as you can remember. This formalizes everything and provides you with documentation you can use to strengthen your claim.
5. Call your insurance company about filing a no-fault claim. Some insurance provider policies require hit-and-run accidents to be reported within 24 hours to make a valid claim.

Even if your insurance policy should pay for your medical bills, transportation costs, lost wages and other expenses, they might choose to limit how much you can claim. Protecting yourself and fighting for the amount you deserve can be challenging when you are still shaken up. It may be in your best interest to consult with an attorney to better understand your insurance policy and what legal actions you can take.

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