Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be distressing and confusing. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know the steps to take immediately after the incident to ensure your safety and improve the chances of resolving the situation effectively.
Ensure your safety and check for injuries
The first priority after a hit-and-run is to make sure you and any passengers are safe. Pull over to a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to get medical help. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s important to get medical attention as symptoms might appear or worsen later.
Call the police
Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, call the police to report the accident. In Hawaii, you must report any car accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage.
Inform the police that the other driver left the scene. When the police arrive, provide them with as much detail as possible about the accident and the other vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number you may have caught. This information can be helpful in locating the driver who fled.
Gather evidence
Collect as much evidence as you can from the accident scene. Take photos of your vehicle from different angles to show the damage. Look for any potential witnesses who might have seen the accident and ask for their contact information. If the hit-and-run occurred near businesses, there might be surveillance cameras that captured the accident. Note these locations so you can mention them to the police.
Record details of the accident
While the details are still fresh, write down everything you remember about the accident, including the time, location, and how it happened. This can be very helpful when you file a police report and an insurance claim.
Notify your insurance company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of any accidents. Provide your insurer with all the information and evidence you have gathered. In Hawaii, your insurance may cover some of the damages or medical expenses under your uninsured motorist coverage, which is part of most auto insurance policies.
Following a hit-and-run in Hawaii, acting swiftly and methodically can help you manage the aftermath more effectively. Knowing what steps to take will aid in dealing with the incident and seeking any compensation you’re entitled to under your insurance policy.