What To Do After A Hit And Run Accident In Bakersfield
What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Bakersfield
If you are a victim of a hit and run accident, you may feel hopeless. These types of accidents can cause a great deal of stress to someone’s life due to the fact their personal property has been damaged. Additionally, these accidents can leave individuals with injuries that range from minor cuts and bruises to serious life-threatening injuries. No matter what type of injury an individual sustains, accidents can have a large impact on a person’s wellbeing. Hit and run accidents can leave individuals with expensive bills to pay.
About one hit and run accident occurs every 43 seconds in the United States according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. In 2016, the state of California was known for having the most hit and run accidents on a national level. It is very common for individuals to be unsure where to begin after a hit and run accident occurs. The five steps listed below will allow you to be prepared for any type of hit and run situation. It is important to follow these informative steps.
Contact Emergency Personnel
Right after an accident occurs, you should be thinking about your personal safety first and call 911 as soon as you are able to. Once the emergency staff has been contacted, then you can focus on any injured victims at the scene. Everyone who was involved in the accident should see a medical professional and allow them to diagnose any injuries. It is important to let the medical professionals give you a diagnosis and then document it for future reference.
Once the police show up, they will file a police report, which is another very important aspect to add to your case. The police report will just state what happened in the accident, who was involved, and where it occurred. It is crucial for you to recall exactly what occurred at the time of the accident because it is a hit and run accident and the at-fault party is not around to explain what happened. When you are providing information, you want to make sure the information is accurate and highlights exactly what occurred without exaggerating any details. It is very helpful if you can describe any information about the driver that hit you or the car they drove. This police report will be an essential piece of evidence in your legal case.
Document Everything
After you have contacted the emergency personnel, write everything down exactly as you remember it. Hit and run accidents can be traumatizing and can cause someone to forget certain details. For this reason, it is crucial to write everything down at the scene so you can go back in the future and refresh your memory of any forgotten information. If you are able to see the other driver’s license plate number, write it down immediately. That piece of information is probably the most important when trying to figure out who was responsible for the hit and run accident. The police will have an easier time tracking down the driver of the other car if you can obtain their license plate number. It is also very helpful to write down the type of car, the color of the car, and any other small details such as bumper stickers or dents. Other things to write down are details about the environment and weather. Be sure to note what the weather was like at the time of the accident, as well as if the accident occurred at a stoplight, stop sign, or intersection. All of this information will help the police identify who the reckless driver is.
Identify Witnesses At The Scene
If you notice anyone at the scene, go talk to them and obtain their contact information. You can contact them at a later date to discuss what they witnessed during the accident. It is crucial to gain insight from others who saw the accident to give you and the cops a better idea of exactly what happened. Ask them if they would be willing to be a witness for your accident and if they agree, then write down their detailed description of exactly what they saw. Make sure they understand you will only share their story with the police and your personal injury attorney. Their information will be very beneficial because they can confirm what occurred from a non-biased perspective.
Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
The Attorneys at Los Angeles Injury Group are knowledgeable with the California personal injury law and can help you file a legal claim. Our attorneys will focus on filing a claim that best fits your situation so you can receive the maximum compensation while you concentrate on your recovery process. We will gather all of the evidence and communicate with witnesses so you don’t have to do that. We are here to fight for your legal rights so you don’t have to go through this situation alone.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The final step you should take after a hit and run accident is to call your insurance company and communicate to them that you were a victim of a hit and run accident. It is important to share all pieces of information you have gathered about the accident so they are fully aware of what occurred. The insurance company representative should talk to you about your coverage. The attorneys at Los Angeles Injury Group can help you understand your insurance policy as well.
Los Angeles Injury Group Personal Injury Attorney
Hit and run accidents take place in Bakersfield California everyday. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries due to a hit and run accident, pursue legal advice from our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Los Angeles Injury Group. Let us help you file a claim so you can receive the maximum amount of compensation.
Our personal injury attorneys at Los Angeles Injury Group will handle all aspects of your legal claim. Contact us today to determine how our personal injury attorneys at Los Angeles Injury Group can assist you. Contact us at (310)-954-7248.