After a hit-and-run accident, what you should do is act quickly to gather as much information and evidence as possible to improve your ability to recover compensation. You should also review your policy to see if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and hire a New Orleans hit-and-run accident lawyer for your case.
Learn more about what to do after a hit-and-run accident in Louisiana in this guide.
Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
Every second counts after a hit-and-run accident. As you watch the other vehicle’s tail lights recede into the distance, you should gather as much information about the vehicle as possible. Try to capture the other vehicle’s license plate if possible. Also, pay attention and notice the color, make, model, and any other unique or identifying features of the car that you can use when describing it to police.
In addition to details about the other vehicle, you should also gather evidence about the damage you and your vehicle have sustained. This includes taking pictures of the damage to your car and any relevant details from the surrounding environment that may have contributed to the impact of the accident. You should also take photos of your injuries and how severe they are.
By gathering evidence and knowing what you should do after a hit-and-run accident, you can:
- Reduce the stress and uncertainty after your crash
- Improve the chances that the police or your lawyer can track down the driver who collided with you
- Potentially secure a more favorable outcome
- Reduce the likelihood that the insurance company will deny your claim
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(504) 500-1111Report the Hit-and-Run to the Police
After a hit-and-run accident, your first call should be to local law enforcement. The sooner they can start looking for the driver who hit you, the sooner you can get the financial relief that you need. You should provide as much detail as possible about the collision and share the evidence you gathered. If law enforcement is on site, they may also collect additional evidence as they write their report.
Filing a police report about the collision is important to ensure there is an official record of the events and that the details are documented for investigative purposes. Having a report on file can streamline the resolution of your case and help improve the outcome of your claim so you can recover as much as possible.
After you have suffered from a hit-and-run accident in Louisiana and reported it to the police, you should also submit police report requests to get copies of your documented accident. You will need to provide these copies to the insurance company and your lawyer as evidence of what transpired during the hit-and-run collision.
Seek Medical Attention
It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as you can after a Louisiana hit-and-run accident. Depending on the severity of your crash, you may need medical care before any of the steps above. If the accident was less severe, you may be able to visit the doctor after speaking to the police. Regardless, it is essential that you do not skip this step, even if your injuries seem minor.
In some cases, the symptoms of an injury can present hours or days after an accident. Severe head trauma, internal organ damage, and fractures may not be immediately noticeable, masked by adrenaline. However, seeking prompt medical attention can protect your health and the integrity of your claim.
Additionally, insurance adjusters look closely at your injuries to assess the seriousness of the accident and the harm you suffered. Refusing medical attention can actually result in a denied claim, so it is important to always be checked over by a medical professional. Keep all medical records and bills to provide as evidence of your condition and required care.
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(504) 500-1111Hire a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps you can take is to hire a lawyer if you are a victim of a hit-and-run. They can help you investigate and find the driver responsible, which can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Finding the driver may allow you to file a claim against them, but even if you do find them, there’s a chance that they don’t have car insurance.
Hit-and-run accidents can be complicated. The benefits of a New Orleans personal injury lawyer are that they have extensive experience, local connections, legal knowledge, and negotiation skills. Your lawyer will fight to get you the best outcome possible for your situation so you can receive the help you need to move forward and the justice you deserve.
Your lawyer can also help verify how much time has passed since the collision and whether or not you can still file a claim. According to Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1, you only have two years from the accident to take action and pursue compensation. After this time expires, you waive all rights to further action. This aspect makes it all the more important to avoid delays in contacting a lawyer.
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(504) 500-1111Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers Ensures You Have Options After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is ready to help you after a hit-and-run accident. We will Fight for the Win from start to finish when we take on your case. Our team shows your situation the attention it deserves and customizes our approach to your specific needs and goals. Reach out now for a free consultation.