Comprehensive Legal Guidance, Across New York

Do you know how to handle a hit-and-run accident?

On Behalf of | Oct 25, 2019 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

You consider yourself a safe driver, and you have the low premiums from your New York insurance agent to prove it. That said, you may encounter drivers who are not as careful as you, ones who will not hesitate to hit your car and keep driving without nary a glance back in your direction.

Should you ever find yourself the victim of a hit-and-run accident, Nationwide lays out steps to take in the aftermath. Knowing what to do is just as important as knowing what not to do to protect your premiums and take care of necessary repairs.

Note whatever information you can

After the incident, make note of the color of the vehicle that hit you, its license plate, the direction it traveled in after striking you, the time and the weather, and anything else you can remember. Take images of the damage to your vehicle, just as you would with any other type of auto accident.

Contact the police 

Have the police come out to the scene, providing them with as much information about the other driver as you can. Even if the damage to your vehicle is minor, having a police report could help when you file a claim. While waiting for law enforcement, see if any witnesses can help you gather more details about the other driver.

Reach out to your insurance agent 

Depending on the type of insurance plan you have, you may have coverage for hit-and-run accidents. Your police report could help your agent track down the other driver and find out if she or he has insurance, which can go towards any repairs your car needs so you do not have to worry about shouldering the burden.

This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.

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