No one wants to be on the receiving end of a hit and run accident. It's especially frustrating when the driver who hits your car flees the scene. In this case, defensive driving courses teach you to remain calm after an accident and to get out of the car with the intention of obtaining details from the other driver in order to expedite your claim. But, what do you do if the driver doesn't stick around?
Tip #1: Get as much information as possible.
Call the police as soon as possible after an accident. While you are on the phone, write down as much information as you can about the other driver's vehicle. You should also note the street the accident happened on and any mile markers. If you have a portable camera or a camera phone, you can get even better evidence. Take a snapshot of the other driver's car and zoom in as much as possible to try to capture the driver's image. If the driver takes off while you're on the phone with the 911 operator, make sure to immediately let them know what direction the car is driving in and down what road. For your personal safety, don't try to pursue the driver yourself; let the police handle it so that you don't risk becoming the victim of violence.
Tip #2: Call your insurance company immediately.
You can still file a claim even if the other driver fled the scene. Share whatever information you managed to get in order to maximize your chances of a successful claim. Since leaving the scene of an accident is against the law, you may want to consult an attorney about filing a lawsuit. Provide your attorney with as much information as possible.
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, your insurance company presumes he or she does not have insurance. Thus, you have to depend on your insurance company to handle the claim. If you have to pay out of pocket for any damages, you can recover your payments via a personal injury lawsuit.
Tip #3: Make sure you have adequate insurance before you get behind the wheel.
If you don't carry full coverage and don't have any details about the other driver or his or her insurance, you may be out of luck as far as filing a claim. If no witnesses were present or you didn't get any statements from witnesses, there's really nothing you can do to recover any money.
Hit and run accidents are complicated situations that not all insurance companies are equipped to handle. If you'd like more information on hit and run Tampa Auto Insurance claims, please call an Adcock-Adcock Insurance Agency at 866-933-6691.