If you were in a hit and run merging accident, odds are you have suffered damages. The severity of these damages can vary greatly from one crash to another, but if the other driver hit you and took off, he was likely at fault.
Sometimes hit and run drivers are caught, but at other times you might never find out who this reckless driver was who left the scene. Either way, you still might be able to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the damages that you suffered in the accident.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Merging Accident
If you have been in a hit and run merging accident, see if anyone has been injured and needs medical care. After that, you will need to focus on talking with police and making sure an accident report is completed.
You should not try to chase down the other vehicle, as that could be dangerous. If you can, get the license plate information for the other vehicle, even if you can only get part of it. Also, note the color, make, and model of the other vehicle.
Ask any passengers in your vehicle or witnesses to the accident to write a summary of what happened and what they saw. You might be more upset than these other individuals, so the police might get the information that they need to track this driver down from these witnesses.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim When the Other Driver Fled
If you have been hit by a driver who fled the scene, you aren’t necessarily out of luck. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will help you take care of any financial and non-financial losses that you suffered because of a hit and run driver or a driver who is underinsured or uninsured. A hit and run crash could lead to a variety of damages. You need to maintain documentation and evidence to support your claim and to show which damages you suffered. Some common damages include:
- Property damage – get a written estimate for damages
- Medical expenses – keep copies of medical bills
- Pain and suffering – document limitations, photograph injuries, keep medical records
- Lost wages – document time off work and lost wages
- Mental trauma – psychological impact of crash, such as anxiety, embarrassment, and depression
- Permanent scarring – photograph any scars, get physician notes
- Long-term or permanent disabilities – as detailed by your physician in your medical records
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were involved in a hit and run merging accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. With the help of lawyer, you can get your claim on track and recover compensation for the damages that you suffered in the accident. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, so an accident injury lawyer can offer you guidance for your accident claim.
