No matter how minor the car accident, it is likely an annoyance in your day. Even if you accidentally nick the side of your house, it is frustrating. Accidents involving other people are often even more headache-inducing.
However, the situation escalates quickly if the other person involved in your accident makes the decision to flee the scene. It is important to understand what to do in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident. According to State Farm Insurance, ensure that you stay at the site of the accident and talk to any eye witnesses following a hit-and-run.
Stay calm and stay put
When you see the culprit speed off around the corner, your first impulse may be to get into your car (if it is possible) and drive off after him or her. You must resist this impulse. Doing so will further complicate the situation and confuse eyewitnesses.
Instead, move your car out of the road if it is possible for you to do so. Call 911 if anybody in the immediate area has sustained an injury as a result of the accident. If nobody is seriously injured, call the police non-emergency number in order to file a report. This will help you when you are working with your insurance later.
Reach out to eyewitnesses
Eyewitnesses are important in any accident, but they are especially vital in hit-and-runs. Many people have smartphones, and it is possible that an eyewitness noticed what was going on and took photo or video evidence of the culprit. If you can get this information to the police, it will make it much easier to locate him or her. Hit-and-run accidents are among the most frustrating kind, but a cool head prevails.