Tips for Handling the Aftermath of a Hit and Run in NJ

Hit and run accidents happen all too often throughout New Jersey. They cause thousands of dollars in property damage and lead to tragic injuries and even death. A hit and run accident that leaves you injured can change your life in an instant. Just like other types of motor vehicle accidents, a hit and run can be caused by a distracted driver, a driver who is under the influence, extremely fatigued and many other factors. Regardless of what caused the accident, the bottom line is that the best thing to do is stay at the scene when you've hit someone. Unfortunately, that's not always true. And while the driver may flee the scene, it doesn't negate what you can do to make the best out of an unfortunate situation.

What you do following a hit and run can either help or hurt your chances at receiving a strong compensation package that can be used to pay your medical bills, monthly expenses, and cover lost wages. Today, we will take a look at how you can handle the aftermath of a hit and run in the Garden State.

Stay at the Crash Scene in New Jersey

Make sure you stay at the crash scene, even if you think you can follow the striking vehicle. It’s never a good idea to follow the vehicle that hit you. The driver was rude enough to hit your vehicle and continue traveling, which means you don’t know what they might do if you confront them after the crash. By staying at the scene you can be evaluated by firefighters and EMTs who respond and you can speak with the police about the accident.

Take Pictures of the Crash in NJ

Even though only your vehicle will be at the scene of the hit and run you should still take pictures of the scene. Your pictures should include damage to your vehicle, debris from the accident, the road conditions, road signs, traffic signals, your injuries and anything else you feel is necessary to helping your case move forward against the at-fault driver.

Speak with New Jersey Witnesses

Do your best to speak with witnesses of the hit and run. Depending on the time of day, or the location of the crash, you might not have any witnesses who stopped to assist you. If that’s the case, you might need to knock on doors of homes in the area or go into local businesses to find out if any property has outdoor security cameras installed that might have captured the accident. If witnesses did stop to help make sure you ask them to talk to the police and be sure to exchange contact information with them to give to your lawyer.

Seek NJ Medical Care

A hit and run accident is one of the most serious types of accidents in which you can involved in New Jersey. That’s why you must seek medical care. Let the responding EMTs and firefighters examine you at the scene. If they recommend transport to the hospital, make sure you accept transport. Request transport if they don’t so that you can receive more in-depth testing and care at the hospital. Delayed onset of pain most often occurs after a motor vehicle accident because the adrenaline masks the pain in your body. By documenting medical evaluation you can show the court you sought care even when you thought you weren’t injured.

Don’t Speak to NJ Insurance Companies

You should avoid speaking to the insurance companies of all parties involved in the crash, including your own. This conversation should only be had by your attorney. You could accidentally wind up accepting a settlement offer from the at-fault driver’s insurance company that might not be as large as what a personal injury attorney could obtain for you.

The End Result

At the end of the day, a hit and run accident is a hit and run accident. Regardless of whether or not someone was on their way to a doctor's appointment, running errands, going shopping, visiting their momat a nursing home or heading to court to apologize for their reckless driving ticket, fleeing the scene of an accident leaves those left behind confused and unsure of their options. While the destruction of their personal property and mode of transportation is absolutely devastating, the impact of a hit and run comes in the form of a personal injury.

Whether the personal injury came in the form of broken bones, lacerations, a concussion or something worse that completely changes the trajectory of their life such as a traumatic brain injury or paralysis, being involved in a motor vehicle accident is never something you hope to be involved in.