If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Miami, you must take each of the following steps:
Ensure Your Safety.
The first thing that you must do is ensure that you and your passengers are safe. Because you may be in shock after the accident, it will be more difficult for you to determine whether or not you are hurt. That is why you must do a head-to-toe assessment. This is when you check your body for wounds and determine if any body parts are paralyzed.
If you are okay, check your passengers for injuries. If the vehicle is in the street, try to move it out of the way of oncoming traffic. If you cannot do this, you and your passengers must exit the vehicle.
Call First Responders.
Call 9-1-1 if your passenger has extensive injuries so that the dispatcher can advise you as to what you should and should not do until first responders arrive at the scene. If there aren’t any injuries, you still need to call the police because you are required to report the accident.
Document the Scene.
Take the time to write down everything you remember about the other driver and the other driver’s car. If you had a chance to see the other driver’s license plate number, make, model and color of the car, write this down. If possible, describe the damages to the other vehicle, and describe the other driver, such as his or her race, sex, color of hair and length and anything distinctive about their clothes. Write down the time the accident occurred, where it occurred and the cause.
Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle. If anyone witnessed the accident, interview them. If they offer any details that end up in the police report, make sure that you have the contact information of the witness.
File a Police Report.
After the police arrive, they will write a report, and you must obtain a copy of this report to give to your insurance agent.
Notify Your Insurance Agent.
Call your insurance agent and file a claim. You may have 24 hours to do this, or you may have 30 days, but it is best to file early so that your agent can get the process started quickly. If you will need to have your car towed, your insurance agent will contact roadside assistance for you. Then, your insurer investigates your coverage.
Seek Medical Attention.
You must seek medical attention for yourself and your passengers even if you do not feel injured. People do not necessarily feel pain from injuries they sustain in car accidents because pain is often a delayed response.
If you need help understanding your legal rights, navigating the insurance claims process or pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages, contact the Law Office of Cary Woods II.
After a hit-and-run accident, ensure your safety, call first responders, document the scene, file a police report, notify your insurance agent and seek medical attention. Knowing the steps that you must take after a hit-and-run crash can help protect your rights and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
