A hit-and-run accident can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially if your car is damaged and needs towing. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the incident can help protect your rights, ensure your safety, and get your vehicle towed efficiently. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this situation.
Ensure Your Safety First
The first priority after a hit-and-run accident is your safety. If you’re inside the vehicle, check for injuries and move your car to a safe location if it’s drivable. If the accident occurred on a busy road or highway, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside your car until it is safe to exit.
If your vehicle is too damaged to move, get out of the car if it is safe to do so and stand in a secure location away from traffic. Avoid walking into the roadway, as oncoming vehicles may not see you in time to stop.
Call the Police and Report the Incident
A hit-and-run is a criminal offense, so it’s crucial to report the accident to the police immediately. Call the local authorities and provide them with as much information as possible, including:
- The location and time of the accident
- A description of the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, license plate if possible)
- Any witness statements or nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident
The police will file a report, which is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Even if you don’t have details about the driver who fled, filing a report ensures that the incident is documented.
Contact a Towing Service
If your car is undrivable due to damage from the hit-and-run, you’ll need to call a towing service. If you have roadside assistance coverage through your insurance, check if they cover towing in hit-and-run situations. Some policies provide free or discounted towing services in emergencies.
If you don’t have roadside assistance, you can contact a trusted local towing company. When calling for a tow, provide details about your location, the extent of the damage, and where you’d like your car to be taken—whether it’s a repair shop, your home, or an impound lot.
Document the Damage for Insurance Claims
Before your car is towed, take clear photos of the damage from multiple angles. Capture close-ups of any dents, scratches, broken parts, and skid marks on the road. If there are any paint transfers from the fleeing vehicle, document those as well.
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information, as their statements could be valuable for insurance claims and police investigations. The more evidence you collect, the easier it will be to file a claim and prove that the accident was a hit-and-run.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once your car is safely towed, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Many policies have coverage for hit-and-run incidents under uninsured motorist protection or collision coverage. Provide them with the police report, photos, and any witness information to support your claim.
Your insurer will assess the damage and determine the next steps for repairs or compensation. If the police are able to identify the driver responsible for the hit-and-run, your insurance company may seek reimbursement from their policy.
Conclusion
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is frustrating, but taking the right steps can help you handle the situation effectively. Prioritizing safety, contacting the police, arranging towing, and documenting the damage will ensure that you receive the necessary assistance and legal protection. Understanding your insurance coverage and keeping a reliable towing service’s contact information on hand can also make the process smoother if you ever face such an unfortunate event.
Contact Us
Altona Towing
48A Blyth St, Altona VIC 3018
0431 258 562
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