Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but when the other driver flees the scene, it adds another layer of frustration and confusion. A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without exchanging information or providing assistance. This kind of accident is not only illegal but can also make it more difficult to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage. However, knowing the proper steps to take after a hit-and-run accident in Newport Beach can help protect your rights and improve your chances of obtaining compensation.
In this blog, we’ll outline what you should do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Newport Beach, how to gather critical evidence, and how an experienced Newport Beach car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process.
1. Stay Calm and Ensure Your Safety
The first thing you need to do after a hit-and-run accident is to remain calm and focused. While it’s understandable to feel upset or angry, it’s crucial to handle the situation in a calm and rational manner.
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Check for injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get medical assistance.
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Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe area to avoid further accidents. If you can’t move your car, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.
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Do not chase the other driver: Avoid the temptation to chase the fleeing driver. Not only could this put you at further risk, but it could also complicate the legal process of resolving your claim.
Once you’ve ensured your safety, it’s time to take steps to document the scene and begin the process of recovering compensation.
2. Call the Police Immediately
Even though the other driver left the scene, it is essential to report the hit-and-run accident to the police right away. In Newport Beach, as in all of California, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. By filing a police report, you help establish that the accident occurred and that the other driver was at fault.
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Provide all details: When speaking to the police, give them as many details as possible about the accident. Include information about the location, time, and what happened leading up to the crash. The more information you provide, the better the chances of finding the responsible driver.
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Describe the other vehicle: Even if the other driver fled, try to remember any details about the vehicle, such as the make, model, color, or license plate number. This information is vital for the police to track down the individual responsible for the accident.
By making a police report, you also create an official record of the accident, which can be crucial when you file your insurance claim or pursue legal action.
3. Gather Evidence from the Scene
While the other driver may have fled, gathering as much evidence as possible from the scene of the accident can help your case. Evidence will play a significant role in proving that the accident occurred and in identifying the responsible party.
Here’s what to do:
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Take photos of the scene: Photograph the damage to your vehicle, any skid marks on the road, and the location of the accident. If possible, capture pictures of the surrounding area, including any street signs, traffic lights, and road conditions.
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Look for surveillance cameras: Check if there are any nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or streetlights that may have recorded the accident or the other vehicle. These recordings could provide valuable evidence that leads to the identification of the hit-and-run driver.
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Talk to witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information. Witness statements can help confirm your version of events and provide valuable insight into the identity or actions of the other driver.
The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your case will be when working with your insurance company or pursuing legal action.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
After you’ve contacted the police and gathered as much evidence as possible, the next step is to notify your insurance company about the hit-and-run accident. In California, drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover your damages if the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured.
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File a claim with your insurance: Provide your insurance company with all of the details about the accident, including the police report, photos, and any other evidence you have. Make sure to inform them that the other driver fled the scene.
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the driver cannot be found or does not have insurance, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will be used to pay for your damages and injuries. This coverage can help cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs.
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Collision coverage: If you have collision insurance, it may also cover the damage to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. Be sure to check with your insurer to determine what coverage you have available.
5. Track Your Medical Treatment and Expenses
If you sustained injuries in the hit-and-run accident, it’s crucial to document all medical treatment and expenses related to your injuries. This will help you build a case for compensation, whether it’s through your own insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.
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Medical records: Keep a record of all medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and any hospital stays.
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Bills and receipts: Save all receipts related to your medical care, including physical therapy, surgeries, medications, and other treatments.
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Lost wages: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, keep a record of lost wages, including pay stubs or documentation from your employer.
This documentation is necessary to prove the full extent of your injuries and the financial impact the accident has had on your life.
6. Work with a Newport Beach Car Accident Lawyer
Hit-and-run accidents can be complicated, and navigating the legal and insurance processes without legal expertise can be overwhelming. An experienced Newport Beach car accident lawyer can help you:
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Investigate the accident: A lawyer can assist in investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and tracking down the hit-and-run driver. They can also help you access traffic camera footage, speak to witnesses, and work with the police to identify the responsible party.
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Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize the payout on claims. A lawyer can advocate for your rights, negotiate with your insurance provider, and help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
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File a lawsuit if necessary: If the hit-and-run driver is found but refuses to cooperate or if you are unable to secure compensation through insurance, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and pursue justice in court.
A skilled attorney will handle the legal complexities of your case, giving you the peace of mind to focus on recovery.
7. Conclusion
Dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Newport Beach can be frustrating and overwhelming, but by taking the right steps, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of recovering compensation. From calling the police and gathering evidence to contacting your insurance company and seeking legal help, each step plays a critical role in ensuring that justice is served. If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, don’t wait—contact an experienced Newport Beach car accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you recover the compensation you deserve.