What to Do in The Event of a Hit-and-Run

A firefighter investigates the aftermath of a car crash. (Daniel O’Niel/flickr.com/photos/juggernautco/)

A hit-and-run is something no driver wants to experience. A crash is already stressful and dangerous enough, but it takes on another level of stresses and confusion when the person who just crashed into you flees. In a minor to moderate crash, every driver usually knows what to expect: Pull to the side of the road if possible, exchange information, and call a tow truck or proceed to your destination. But a hit-and-run leaves you out in the cold, alone and probably angry. Without the cooperation of the other driver involved in the crash, the process of proving who was at fault and collecting a payment from your insurance company becomes a lot more difficult.

What to Do
1) Keep a cool head and remember to stay safe. As angry and rattled as you might be, it’s important that you do not do anything rash. Don’t chase after the driver who hit you. This could be dangerous to you and other drivers.

2) Keep your eyes peeled. One of the best ways to bring justice to a person who struck your car and fled is to get a license plate and a description of the driver who hit you. Law enforcement can use license plate information to track down the registered owner of the car that struck yours. This can be complicated if the registered owner of the vehicle wasn’t the one driving the car when you were struck.
3) Call the police. Follow the same protocol as you would with any crash and alert law enforcement that you were involved in a crash and if your vehicle is disabled in a roadway. Law enforcement and medical aid will shortly arrive to help. Follow their instructions and file a police report that includes everything you remember.
4) Find witnesses. Since it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to remember license plate information amid the chaos of a crash, your best bet will likely be those who witnessed the crash. Safely find and make your way to potential witnesses and ask them if they have any information that may be helpful to you. License plate information of the car that struck yours is the jackpot here, but even knowledge of what the car and driver looked like can help.
5) Contact your insurance company. With all the information you’ve gathered, including the police report you’ve filed, contact your insurance company to review your options. Insurance companies vary in what they will cover in the event of a hit-and-run so you’ll need to talk to your agent before you make your next move.

After the initial stress of the crash, getting your vehicle repaired at Yark Collision Center in Toledo, OH, will be a breeze. Our helpful staff will work with you and your insurance company to make sure your car is repaired in short order and at minimal cost to you. Our professional detailers and collision specialists have an excellent track record repairing damaged vehicles to like-new condition. Come to our shop when you’re in need and you are sure to leave pleased.