When injured in a car accident, the last thing you expect is for the driver to leave the scene of the accident before you can call the police or exchange information. Unfortunately, this happens far too often, leaving the injured party suffering with astronomical medical bills. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, you may not know how to proceed. This blog explores the steps you can take to increase the chances of holding the driver who fled the scene of your accident liable for the injuries they’ve caused with the help of a car accident lawyer in Sacramento, California.
What Is a Hit-and-Run?
When a collision happens, whether it’s two vehicles colliding or a car that hits a pedestrian, you may find that one driver flees the scene of the accident to avoid facing liability for their actions rather than pulling over and exchanging insurance information or waiting for the police to arrive.
As such, you may discover that you’re left dealing with damages from an accident you did not cause. However, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of holding the negligent driver liable for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered.
What Should I Do if the Driver Flees the Scene?
If you’re involved in an accident, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself if the driver flees the scene. The most important thing to know is that you should not attempt to chase after or follow the driver. This can turn into a dangerous situation, as the other driver may be erratic, and your injuries may prevent you from operating a vehicle in a safe manner.
Instead, you should stay at the scene and call the police. They will come to investigate, which allows law enforcement to be on the lookout for vehicles with damage consistent with the accident you were involved in. You can also provide the police with as much information as possible, including the make, model, color, and year of the vehicle, as well as a full or partial license plate.
How Can an Attorney Assist Me?
Though you may worry that the hit-and-run driver will not be brought to justice, working with an experienced attorney can help through this process. Not only can they help you obtain security footage from local homes and businesses that may have captured the accident, but they can help represent you if the negligent driver is found.
If you’re injured, and the driver flees the scene of the accident, it’s imperative to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. When you’re hurt, the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes is ready to fight for you. We understand how devastating it can be to suffer injuries because of another person’s negligence. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you through these challenging times.