What to do After a Hit and Run Accident

 Posted on January 10, 2019 in Hit-and-Run Accidents

On Saturday, January 5, two Chicago police officers were injured when their vehicle was struck by a vehicle believed to have been stolen. After the collision, the driver fled the scene, leaving the officers with severe but non-life threatening injuries. For Illinois drivers, the hit and run collision served as a reminder that some drivers will attempt to flee the scene of an accident even when it involves law enforcement.  

After a hit and run accident, one must act quickly and calmly to help ensure law enforcement officials are equipped with the requisite information to find the perpetrator. 

Contact Medical Assistance

In the aftermath of a hit and run crash, the first thing to do is assess the well-being of yourself and fellow passengers. If any member of your party has suffered injuries, it is important to contact medical personnel as quickly as possible. With many car accident injuries, symptoms are delayed for some time. The only way to ensure no one has suffered some form of injury is through examination from knowledgeable medical personnel.

Document All Relevant Information

Once you have checked on the health status of all passengers, it is time to document as much information as possible. If you can spot the make and model of the car that hit you or the license plate number, that information can be invaluable to law enforcement. Take photos of your car and the damage done. Those images will be helpful as well, including for insurance purposes.

Make Sure Witnesses Speak to Police

As soon as the collision occurs, it is important to see if there were any witnesses who saw the accident. They may be able to recount critical information you were unable to attain, such as a description of the other vehicle and driver, and how the accident occurred. Speaking with witnesses and convincing them to stay at the scene to speak with law enforcement can be critically important. 

If you are struck and injured in a hit and run or any auto accident, it is also crucial to contact a personal injury lawyer who can serve as your legal advocate during what lies ahead.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer 

While the hours after a car accident can be difficult, it is important to react to a hit and run collision prudently. After contacting law enforcement officials, and recording as much information as possible, our legal team is ready to help you recover from the collision, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Source:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-officers-hit-annd-run-20190105-story.html