How Are Hit-and-Run Accidents Investigated? What You Need to Know

It’s one of the most frustrating situations on the road – a hit-and-run accident. Not only are you left dealing with the damage, but the person responsible is nowhere to be found. If this happens to you, you’re probably wondering what comes next. How do authorities track down someone who fled the scene? And how can you get the help you need to recover?

We will examine in detail below what follows a hit-and-run accident and how a car accident lawyer can assist you in understanding what to do next.

What exactly is a hit-and-run?

When an individual causes an accident and then flees the scene without providing any assistance or supplying any information, this is known as a hit-and-run. Leaving the site of an accident is a crime – especially when someone is injured.

Immediate steps after a hit-and-run

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, staying calm is essential. Here are some things you should do:

1. Check for injuries. Make sure you and anyone else in the car are okay. If you or someone else is injured, get medical help right away.
2. Call the police. This step is crucial. Even if the damage seems minor, you’ll need a police report for insurance purposes and to document the crime.
3. Gather information. Write down anything you remember about the car involved, including the make, model, color, or any partial license plate numbers. If possible, take pictures of the damage, the surrounding area, and anything that stands out.
4. Ask for witnesses. If anyone was around, ask them if they saw anything. Their statements could help the investigation later.

If you’re unsure of what to do next or how to handle the insurance process, having a car accident lawyer can ease some of the stress. They can guide you through the next steps and make sure everything is taken care of.

The role of eyewitnesses

Witnesses can be key when it comes to solving hit-and-run accidents. They may have seen the accident happen or noticed something unusual about the other vehicle. Even if they didn’t see the crash, they could have information about the car or its driver that helps police track them down.

• Ask around. People nearby might have seen more than you think, even if they didn’t see the crash itself. Pedestrians, other drivers, or employees in nearby stores might have useful details.
• Details matter. Get descriptions of the car involved. Things like the car’s color, make, model, and any part of the license plate can help the investigation.

The more information you can gather, the better. Even a small detail might lead to finding the driver.

Can surveillance footage help?

Ever notice the cameras on street corners or near gas stations? They might seem like no big deal, but in hit-and-run accidents, these cameras can be incredibly helpful. Sometimes, they catch everything from the car to the driver’s face.

Here’s how these cameras can be helpful:

• Traffic cameras: Many cities use cameras at major intersections or along highways. These can sometimes capture the vehicle or even the license plate number.
• Private surveillance: Local businesses, gas stations, or apartment buildings may have security cameras that recorded the crash or the fleeing vehicle.

If there’s any surveillance footage available, it can be a game-changer for finding the driver. That’s why it’s so important to get in touch with a car accident lawyer ASAP – they’ll help you request any footage that could be crucial to your case.

How police investigate hit-and-run accidents

When a driver takes off after an accident, the police don’t just throw their hands up and give up. They start investigating. They’ll look for physical clues at the scene, like broken car parts or glass. They also interview any witnesses who might have seen something. And sometimes, they review footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses.

Here’s how the investigation typically works:

• Analyzing evidence: The police will search the scene for car parts or debris that could tell them more about the car involved.
• Conducting witness interviews: Officers can talk to anyone nearby, gathering any details they can.
• Reviewing surveillance footage: If there’s any footage from traffic or private cameras, police will check it for clues about the car or driver.
• Checking local body shops: If the hit-and-run driver tries to fix their car quickly, auto shops might notice and report it to authorities.

By gathering these clues, the police can narrow down their search. It can take time, but the more they can piece together, the better their chances of catching the driver.

Why you need a car accident lawyer

Going through a hit-and-run accident is tough, but dealing with insurance claims and legal issues on your own can make it even worse. This is where a car accident lawyer steps in. Here’s how they can help:

• Handling insurance claims: Insurance can be a maze. A lawyer helps make sure your claim is handled fairly and the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
• Medical expenses: If you’ve been hurt, your lawyer will help make sure your medical bills are covered. Plus, they’ll go after compensation for pain and suffering.
• Uninsured motorist claims: If the driver can’t be found or doesn’t have insurance, your lawyer can help you file a claim with your own insurer.
• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often offer less than you deserve. An experienced lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and help make sure you get a fair payout.

The outcome of an investigation

Once the police wrap up their investigation, there are usually two possible outcomes:

1. The driver is found. If they catch the person who fled, they’ll face criminal charges for leaving the scene. You’ll also have the option to file a lawsuit to cover your damages.
2. The driver isn’t found. If the driver is still on the run, you’ll need to rely on your insurance. In Tennessee, insurers must offer uninsured motorist coverage to their insureds. However, the insured person has the ability to cancel or reject that coverage. Check your policy to see whether you have this coverage.

Either way, a car accident lawyer is there to make sure you don’t have to go through this alone. They can help you work with insurance and, if needed, take further legal action.

What to do next after a hit-and-run

So, what happens after the investigation? Well, if the driver is found, they’ll face criminal charges, and you’ll have the option to file a lawsuit for damages. If the driver isn’t found, your insurance should step in to cover what was lost. No matter the outcome, having a car accident lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. They can fight for fair treatment and the protection of your rights.

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Reach out to Wagner Workers Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers. Complete our contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you get back on the road.