Imagine this scenario: You're driving home after a long day of work in Toronto, and suddenly, your vehicle is struck by another. The moments following a car accident can be frightening, painful, and bewildering. However, in this case, you witness the other vehicle hastily leaving the scene, leaving you as the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
For many individuals, understanding how to handle a hit-and-run incident can be perplexing. In this post, we will discuss the best steps to take after experiencing this traumatic event and how the expertise of an experienced hit-and-run lawyer can significantly improve the outcome of your distressing ordeal. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can not only protect your rights but also assist law enforcement in apprehending the responsible party.
Why Do Hit and Run Accidents Occur?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when two or more vehicles collide, and at least one driver leaves the accident scene. Various reasons can lead drivers to flee the scene:
- Embarrassment or Fear of Responsibility: The driver may be worried or embarrassed about causing the accident.
- Lack of Insurance: They might be driving without insurance, or their coverage may have expired.
- License Issues: The driver may have an expired or suspended license, or they may not possess a driver's license at all.
- Intoxication Concerns: If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they might fear facing charges for driving while intoxicated.
- Time Constraints: In some cases, the driver may claim an emergency or time constraint and leave the scene due to a perceived lack of time.
It's important to emphasize that leaving the scene of a car accident is a crime, regardless of the reasons a driver may have. The consequences vary based on the severity of the accident but can include substantial fines and even imprisonment. Anyone caught fleeing the scene of a vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident can be charged under both provincial statutes in Ontario and the Criminal Code of Canada.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you witness the hit-and-run vehicle departing the scene, try to gather as much information as possible about the vehicle and the driver. Take photographs or videos with your phone or commit essential details to memory, such as the make, model, or license plate number.Next, call the police and emergency services. Inform the dispatcher that you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident and provide any information you can recall about the fleeing vehicle. Emergency services can respond to the scene, provide necessary medical treatment, and dispatch other officers to locate the vehicle responsible. Before the police arrive, collect statements and contact information from any witnesses present. Sometimes, witnesses may not wait for law enforcement, so having their information can be crucial. Additionally, make note of any nearby businesses equipped with surveillance cameras, as they may have captured footage of the accident.
The Importance of a Police Report After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Even if you do not initially feel injured or if there is minimal damage to your vehicle, it is essential to file a police report after a hit-and-run accident. Ontario law mandates the reporting of car accidents to the police, and the individual responsible for the hit-and-run should face criminal charges. If your parked car is struck, and you discover the damage later, you should still file a report at your local collision reporting center, providing photos of the damage.
After a hit-and-run, your car insurance's collision coverage should cover vehicle damages and medical expenses, depending on your policy. However, your insurance provider will likely require a police report to support your accident insurance claim. Lastly, contact an experienced car accident lawyer to review your case. If someone else caused the accident, they are responsible for reimbursing your medical expenses and covering the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
Does Insurance Cover Hit-and-Runs in Parking Lots?
Hit-and-run accidents frequently occur in parking lots. The responsible driver may leave their contact information on your vehicle, but often, individuals depart the scene hoping to evade detection. It's important to note that even if the accident occurred off the road and did not result in injuries, it is still considered a crime, and Ontario police treat it seriously. Many commercial and residential properties have surveillance cameras, increasing the likelihood that your accident was captured on film. Be sure to take your own video and photo evidence, both for the police and your insurance company. Afterward, take your vehicle to a body shop for an independent appraisal of the damage. Having a separate quote can be beneficial when dealing with your insurance company, and your personal injury lawyer can use this information to build your case and calculate damages.
Reporting a Hit-and-Run Accident to Your Auto Insurer
In cases where the police may not locate the hit-and-run driver, you may need to cover the repair costs for your vehicle yourself, including your collision deductible. It's crucial to contact your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally on the day of the accident, to report the hit-and-run claim. Check your policy carefully, as it may include hit-and-run coverage. Most insurance companies will require you to report the accident to the police before they will pay out on a hit-and-run claim. Provide copies of the police report and your statement regarding the incident, along with any photographic evidence you have collected.
VC Law Supports Hit-And-Run Accident Victims
If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Ontario, VC lawyers are here to assist you. Our personal injury firm specializes in all types of car accidents, including hit-and-run incidents and multi-car collisions. With our exclusive focus on personal injury cases, we are experts in this area of law. More importantly, we stand by your side throughout the entire process, from collaborating with the police to apprehend the driver to resolving your case in court. Don’t face this complicated process on your own. Reach out to VC lawyers for the support you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Call VC LAWYERS today at 1-(855) 932-4929 for a free consultation!