What To Do After a Hit and Run? 5 Important Steps To Follow

1) Pull over to safety

Unless you are a seasoned mechanic, car specialist, or a technician from one of our Kansas City auto body shops, you will won’t likely be able to determine whether it is safe to continue operating your vehicle after a hit-and-run. The best thing to do is to pull your car off the road and park it in a safe location. In some cases, the safest location might be the shoulder of the road, though any parking lot or side road should do.

2) Seek medical help immediately

Once you have safely pulled off the road, call for medical assistance if you or any of your passengers have sustained injuries. If you are injured, wait for medical help to arrive and do not try to move. Neck injuries are no joke!

3) Call the police

Even if your accident seems minor, it is wise to report the crash to authorities. Make sure that you report all the details of your accident. even if they seem irrelevant as seemingly small details can play a key role when dealing with your auto insurance company or identifying responsible drivers.

Here are some key details to make a note of before and during your interaction with the police:

• The make and model of the car that hit you
• If you are unsure of the make or model of the vehicle, provide a description of the vehicle’s color and features
• The car’s license plate number or any portion of the plate number
• Contact details of any people who saw your accident
• The exact location of your accident
• Name and badge number of the police officers who respond to your call

4) Contact your insurance company

“Because there is no other driver whose insurance company can be involved in taking care of the damage, a hit and run accident will be taken care of under your own policy. Hit and run accidents are the only accidents in which you are not at fault for which you will be required to pay your collision deductible, in most cases. This can vary from company to company.” – InsuranceHotline.com

You should contact your insurance company even though you are not immediately able to identify the driver who hit your car. While the accident will likely be taken care of under your own policy, you should still call your insurance agent to discuss your next steps, including filing a claim and securing a rental car.

5) Seek the expertise of a trusted body shop

“Even if the damages seem minor (for example, you can spot only a few dings and scrapes on the bumper), you should have your vehicle inspected by an auto repair mechanic BEFORE you resume using your car as you normally would.” – DMV.org

Trying to drive your car right after a hit-and-run accident could compromise your safety and lead to serious damage to the vehicle. A trusted collision repair center can evaluate your car and confirm that it’s safe to drive while identifying any necessary repairs. If the damage to your vehicle is severe, a collision repair specialist can help you determine whether you should attempt to repair or replace it.

Auto body shops will also work with you and your insurance company. As your proverbial middleman, the auto collision shop will ensure all damage is addressed in your claim, so no surprises will be waiting for you.

The Bottom Line

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can leave you shaken and uncertain about what to do. By maintaining a calm demeanor and following the five steps above, you can help protect your well-being and ensure that your vehicle is in good working order prior to driving it again. Don’t worry—you’ll get through this!

Been involved in a hit-and-run in Kansas City? Once you’ve handled injuries and called the police, contact your nearest McCarthy Collision Centers location for a tow and free estimate. Dial 800-NEW-AGAIN for immediate assistance and partner with one of the best Kansas City body shops to rejuvenate your vehicle. We look forward to helping you throughout the entire process.

Sources:

• https://newsroom.aaa.com/2018/04/hit-run-deaths-hit-record-high/
• http://aaafoundation.org/hit-and-run-crashes-prevalence-contributing-factors-and-countermeasures/
• https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article219721765.html
• https://www.insurancehotline.com/how-to-handle-a-hit-and-run/
• https://www.dmv.org/accident-guide/car-accident-faq.php