Even if a mere stray shopping cart hits your car, this is an annoyance in your day. Hitting another motorist while on the road makes the situation even more of a headache. However, one of the worst things to watch happen is the other motorist not stopping at the scene of the accident and continuing to drive away.
Managing the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident may be an inconvenience, but the good news is that it is not much different than managing the ‘regular’ variety. According to State Farm Insurance, make sure that you stay at the scene of the accident after a hit-and-run accident and talk to any eyewitnesses that are present.
Staying put
When you see the other motorists drive away from the scene, your first impulse may be to get back in your own vehicle and chase after them. However, you should never do this. Chasing after the other motorist will confuse any eyewitnesses to the accident.
Instead, pull off to the side of the road and out of traffic if you can and it is necessary. If anybody at the scene of the accident requires medical attention, make sure to call 911. If not, phone the police non-emergency number in order to file a police report. Having a police report will make dealing with your insurance company easier after the fact.
Talking to eyewitnesses
Eyewitnesses are even more helpful after a hit-and-run accident than they are normally. It is possible that an eyewitness managed to capture video or photo evidence of the other motorist with a smartphone. If so, this will help the police locate the other motorist much faster.