You were crossing the road when it happened; a driver hit you. You're okay, but you need some medical attention. You look up to see if the driver has stopped and see that he drove away.
Document Everything
If you're hit by someone who then flees the scene, it's important to document everything you can. If you can help the authorities track down the person who struck you, you'll have a better chance of obtaining the compensation you need to pay for medical bills, lost wages and other losses.
How can you help the authorities?
Start with documenting as much information as you can remember. If you know the license plate number or even a part of the number, write it down. Try to remember the vehicle's make and model. It's even better if you know the trim of the model, the color or the year.
After an accident, there is bound to be damage to the other vehicle. Try to remember what kind of damage you saw, if any. This can help the authorities keep an eye out for vehicles that fit the description you've given them. They will be able to look much faster if you can recall which way the suspect fled and approximately how long ago the accident happened. This helps them establish a search area and gives them an idea of the direction to look for the hit-and-run driver.
If there are any witnesses around, it's a good idea to talk to one another to confirm things like the license plate number. Sometimes, a witness may have a video or there may be a security feed nearby that you can use as evidence. Once the driver is located, your attorney can use this information to help seek the compensation you want.
Source: State Farm, "What to Do After a Hit and Run," accessed July 27, 2017
