Being involved in a traffic accident is a traumatic event. It is particularly frustrating and distressing when the other driver leaves the scene of the accident. By law, all drivers involved in a traffic accident are to remain at the scene of the accident. However, some drivers flee the accident scene leaving the victim to bear the financial cost of the accident alone.
When a driver leaves the accident scene, we call it a hit-and-run accident. It does not matter if the driver hits another driver, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or a parked vehicle, it is still considered a hit-and-run accident. Some drivers may have outstanding traffic offenses, or they may be driving without insurance. Whatever the reason, leaving the scene of a traffic accident is illegal.
Knowing what to do after a hit-and-run accident can help you protect your right to receive compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages.
Steps for A Hit-And-Run Accident
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Ontario, try to remain calm and follow these steps.
- Call for emergency medical services and law enforcement. A medical professional should check you for your health and document your injuries. You also need to report the accident to document the hit-and-run.
- While waiting for emergency personnel, make notes of what you remember, if possible. Include a description of the vehicle and any details that may assist law enforcement in identifying the hit-and-run driver.
- If there are any eyewitnesses to the hit-and-run accident, ask them what they saw and if they were able to get the license plate number. Make a note of the eyewitnesses’ names and contact information.
- Some hit-and-run accidents occur in parking lots. You need to report these accidents to law enforcement too. You should also check with any businesses in the area that may have security footage of the parking lot.
- Document your damages by taking pictures of the damage to your vehicle and retain copies of all receipts, invoices, and bills related to your injuries.
Contact an experienced Ontario hit-and-run accident lawyer to assist you with filing an accident claim. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages, including lost wages, property damage, and medical bills, even if the police have not identified the hit-and-run driver.
Injuries from A Hit-And-Run Accident
Injuries sustained in a hit-and-run crash can cause permanent, debilitating conditions that change your life forever. Recovering from your injuries can be overwhelming, especially if you suffer substantial financial damage in addition to your physical injuries. For you and your family, the damage caused by a hit-and-run may never be undone.
A hit-and-run driver can cause you to miss work, incur substantial medical bills, endure significant physical pain, and suffer considerable emotional stress. You may believe that you do not have any recourse because the driver who caused the collision is unknown. However, this is not true.
First, the police may identify the hit-and-run driver allowing you to file a claim against that driver. If the driver is never identified, you may still be able to receive compensation from your own automobile insurance company under your unidentified motorist coverage. In addition, you may qualify to receive compensation from the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund (MVACF) if no other insurance coverage is available.
Call an Experienced Ontario Hit-And-Run Lawyer for Help
The team of lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have experience handling personal injury cases involving hit-and-run accidents. You can reach our office by calling our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or by visiting our website to speak with a representative now. We offer free consultations and case evaluations.
