Being involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience. It can be frightening, shocking, and traumatic. Being involved in a car accident where the offending driver speeds off can be even worse. Now you are left to deal with the consequences on your own. While your auto insurance in Antioch, CA can help you to when you're in an accident, here are a few tips on how to handle a hit and run.
Pull over. Always pull over to the side of the road if you were driving at the time. You don't want to carry on driving and you certainly don't want to chase after the driver. This can be dangerous. Pull over safely to the side of the road and turn off the engine.
Call emergency services. If yourself or anyone in your vehicle is injured, call emergency services immediately. Call the police, too, even if you think you don't have much to report. Having a police report on hand can help you when you file a claim.
Record information. Write down as much information about the crash that you can remember. Ask the passengers in your vehicle to write down what they remember, too. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle as well as the surrounding road signs, too.
Ask eyewitnesses. Often, eyewitnesses get a better account of the crash than either driver. Ask eyewitnesses to record their account and take down their contact details in case you need to contact them in the future.
Call your insurer. Call your insurer as soon as you can to let them know about the accident. They can help you determine your next steps. If the offending driver can't be found by the police, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help to pay for expenses that you may face as a result of the accident.
Do you have the right insurance to protect your vehicle and finances? Contact the team at Jack Stone Insurance Agency to secure reliable and affordable auto insurance (open the link in a new tab). We are here to help.
