What to Know About Hit and Run Accidents

Earlier this year, Dennis Rodman made the news for an unfortunate auto accident after driving the wrong way on the highway.

Apparently, he did not leave behind his contact details with the other driver. While he did not ultimately walk away with a hit-and-run charge, not everyone is so lucky when they make a mistake.

Here’s what to know if you are involved in a hit and run accident.

Hit and run accidents happen every day, can be intentional or unintentional, and can happen for any number of reasons. Here are a few:

  • You can be in a hurry.
  • You might not think you made contact with the other car.
  • You might be driving through an unsafe part of town and think that it is not wise to get out of the car to check.
  • You might think you hit an animal while driving at night.

If you are not sure if you hit someone, but you think you may have, here are some steps you need to take:

  • Don’t run – stop to see if you hit anyone.
  • Exchange information – name, contact details, insurance. Leave a note if no one is there.
  • If you did hit someone’s make sure that they are alright, and get them the help needed.
  • Call the police and talk to any witnesses.
  • Follow up with the insurance companies – both yours and the other drivers.

No matter why it happened, your responsibilities/the consequences of your actions change depending on the severity of the damage done. For example:

  • If you hit someone’s car and no one was injured.
  • If you hit someone and they were injured.
  • If this accident results in a death.

If you or your loved one were involved in a hit and run accident, you may have questions. Depending on the damage done, you may not know what to do. An attorney can help you understand your legal options moving forward.

Don’t let a mistake – yours or someone else’s – ruin your life.