You are walking down the street when a car hits you and runs over your leg. You might be coming to a stop at a traffic light and another vehicle rear-ends your car. In either case, as you are collecting your thoughts about what just happened, the other driver takes off and flees the accident scene. You were just the victim of a hit and run.

Stay calm and take a deep breath. If you were able to get the license plate number, even a portion of it, as well as the make and model of the vehicle that hit you, write these down or record them on your smartphone.

Next, call 911. You need to take care of yourself and your injuries from the accident. Do not attempt to go after the other driver. This could cause your injuries to worsen. In addition, even if your car is still drivable, there could be mechanical damages you cannot see. As such, you are placing other drivers and pedestrians at risk of your causing an accident.

While you are waiting to take pictures on your smartphone showing the accident scene, damages to your vehicle, and your personal injuries. You can also ask a witness to take pictures for you if you are too injured to move around.

Once the police arrive, provide them as much information as you can. If there were witnesses, make sure to either ask them to stay or get their contact details to provide the police. Once the EMTs arrive, have them examine you for injuries. If necessary, seek medical treatment at the hospital.

What Happens Next?

If the police catch the other person, that person will have to face a criminal charge for fleeing the accident scene. On top of that, if the person has insurance, then you will be able to file a claim against it. Unfortunately, one of the reasons people commit hit and run accidents is because they are driving without insurance.

In this case, your policy should have uninsured motorist coverage. It is a good idea to check with your agent to verify you have this coverage and the amounts. As a safeguard against hit and runs, coverage maximums should be at least $100,000 per person and $250,000 per accident.

To ensure you get the best possible settlement offer from your insurance company, you will want to enlist the aid of a qualified car accident injury attorney as soon as possible. Even your own insurance company can attempt to settle for less than you may be entitled to receive.

On the off chance the other person is caught and does have insurance, you will want a car accident injury law firm on your side. If you have been the victim of a hit and run or another vehicle accident and were injured, please feel free to contact Schechter, McElwee, Shaffer, & Harris, L.L.P., Houston, TX auto accidents injury lawyers, at 713.574.5089 today!