What is worse than being the victim of a car accident? Having a driver leave the scene before you can get their information. It can be easy to just get mad, but this will get nothing done. Instead, take a deep breath and follow these tips to find the driver. Then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation so you can find out how to hold them legally responsible.
Do Not Chase the Vehicle
If your vehicle was damaged but not so badly that it cannot be driven, you might be tempted to chase the vehicle. This is understandable, but it is a big mistake. Why? Because you are not likely to catch them. In fact, you are much more likely to be pulled over for speeding yourself. The right step to take is to pull over, call the police, and report the accident. This might not be the most satisfying thing to do in the moment, but it is the right choice in the long run.
Look for Witnesses
Ideally, someone (or several people) will have seen the accident. If there are people outside who tell you that they saw the accident, ask them to write down their contact information and what they saw. It is essential that you get this information because a statement does not mean much without being able to contact the witness.
If no one comes out or is visible, you can go to nearby houses, apartments, or businesses to see if anyone saw anything. Do not assume that if someone saw something they would immediately run out and make it clear. Always survey the scene and surrounding area to find out if there is someone who can help you.
Write Down Everything You Remember About the Vehicle
Immediately after an accident, it can feel as though you would never forget what happened. However, shock and adrenaline can bring everything into hyper-focus right away, but you might not remember the information just hours later. Write down anything you saw involving the car, including its color, how old or new it seemed, any flaws or stickers you saw on the vehicle, any rust pattern you might have seen, or any broken part of the vehicle.
Contact the Police
Hit and run accidents are more than aggravating – they are criminal. When you contact the police, they might be able to use red-light cameras nearby to identify the vehicle. If they or you are able to identify the vehicle, make sure that you are working with a personal injury attorney when you go through the legal process. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas now at 909-982-0707 if you would like to request a free legal consultation.
