After being involved in a hit-and-run accident in West Virginia, you may be left feeling scared, confused, and worried that you will get stuck with the bill. While motorists frequently leave the scene of car accidents, that does not mean you should lose hope. If you take the necessary steps to hold them accountable, you may be able to identify the liable party and make them pay.
Whether they left the scene because they were driving without a license, did not have auto insurance coverage, or were simply unaware that a collision occurred, the liable party should be ordered to cover the costs of your damages in full and compensate you fairly for your suffering.
These Steps Are Critical After a West Virginia Hit and Run Accident
If you hope to make the liable party pay after a hit-and-run accident, the following steps could make all the difference in the outcome of your case:
First, Call for Help
Always call emergency responders for help. Get law enforcement officials at the scene and request a police report be filed. Include even the smallest of details which may later be used to prove the defendant’s liability and negligence.
Include any information that could be used to identify the driver that hit you. If you remember the make, model, color, or license plate number of the vehicle that fled the scene, provide this information to responding officers.
Next, Start Collecting Evidence at the Scene
While you wait for emergency responders to arrive, now is the time to begin collecting supporting evidence. If there were witnesses to the collision, speak with them and request their names and contact information so your legal advocate can reach out with additional questions. Now is also the perfect time to:
- Take photos of property damages
- Take photos of your injuries
- Record video of the damage at the accident scene
- Jot down a personal account of how the accident happened
- Make note of any homes or businesses nearby that appear to have security cameras
Then, Get Medical Attention
Do not hesitate to get medical attention. You may initially believe your injuries are minor. However, it is not unusual for hit-and-run accident victims to find their injuries are far more severe than they anticipated. It is not until you begin to relax that your body begins to truly feel the extent of the injuries you sustained.
Getting medical attention now also helps build medical evidence that can be used to prove the severity of your injuries. Failure to get medical attention could have an adverse impact on the outcome of your case when the driver who hit you accuses you of exaggerating your injuries after having been identified.
Finally, Get a Legal Advocate On Your Side
Getting a hit-and-run accident lawyer working on your case should be one of your top priorities. In fact, many injury victims often contact Charleston car accident attorney at the scene of the accident. Your legal team may be able to meet you at the scene of the hit-and-run, in your hospital room, virtually through a Zoom call, or in person, whichever is most convenient for you.
While you focus on recuperating, your legal advocate can conduct an intensive investigation, gather time-sensitive evidence, consider your legal options, accurately calculate the value of your claim, and identify the liable party so they can be held accountable. Leave these responsibilities to the professionals so you can heal and begin rebuilding your life.