Being involved in a hit-and-run DUI accident can be a traumatizing experience, but knowing what steps to take immediately after the incident can crucially impact your physical, financial, and legal state. These accidents are unfortunately very common. According to the Foundation of Traffic Safety, there are an estimated 700,000 hit-and-run accidents every year nationwide. So, understanding your course of action can help mitigate their adverse effects. Your health should be your priority, followed by taking clear and methodical steps to document and report the incident. Below, we’ve outlined essential steps to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety
The first and foremost step you should take after being injured in a hit-and-run DUI accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others with you. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, of Americans who are aged 18 and older, more than seven percent have problems with drinking, including 8.1 million people who suffer from alcoholism, increasing the odds of such unfortunate events, so stay aware and cautious. If you can move safely, try to get to a secure location out of the way of oncoming traffic. Once in a safe spot, it’s critical to assess any immediate injuries you or your passengers might have. Keeping calm and addressing health concerns promptly is the best initial approach to safeguarding your well-being.
After making sure you’re in a safe area, it’s imperative to call emergency services for medical assistance. Delaying this can exacerbate unseen injuries, making recovery more difficult and impacting long-term health. First responders can quickly assess the severity of injuries and immediately provide the necessary medical help. Additionally, having official medical documentation of your injuries from the onset can be crucial for legal and insurance purposes later on. Prioritizing your health will always be the most crucial first step.
2. Document the Scene of the Accident
Once your immediate health is taken care of, the next step involves documenting the scene of the accident as thoroughly as possible. Begin by taking detailed photographs and videos of all aspects of the scene. This includes your vehicle, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries you sustained. Visual evidence will play an essential role in any future legal proceedings or insurance claims.
Make sure to note down any observations or details you noticed at the time of the accident. This could include the other vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number. Eyewitness accounts can also be invaluable, so if there were any bystanders, take their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw. The emotional toll of a hit-and-run can make remembering specifics difficult later, so capturing real-time details is crucial. Clear and comprehensive documentation can make a significant difference in both legal and insurance outcomes.
3. Contact Law Enforcement and Legal Authorities
Once you’ve documented the scene, contact law enforcement immediately and file a report. According to Statista, in 2022, there were around 1.33 million lawyers throughout the U.S., many specializing in personal injury and accident cases. Upon arrival, the police will collect evidence, take statements, and possibly begin the search for the suspect vehicle. Ensure that all the details you noted are included in the police report. A thorough report is instrumental in initiating any legal procedures and insurance claims.
Providing law enforcement with as much information as possible can expedite their investigative work. They may ask for details like the direction in which the other vehicle fled and any traffic or surveillance cameras in the vicinity. Your detailed account not only aids their investigation but also bolsters the credibility of your claim. Moreover, keeping all communication and official documents from the police and emergency services can smooth out future interactions with insurance companies and court proceedings. Reporting the incident promptly is a step you can’t afford to skip.
