What to Do if You are a Victim of Hit and Run Accident

Whether as a pedestrian or a motorist, one is highly at risk of hit and run accidents when on the road. California has one of the highest rates of hit and run accidents in the country. It is actually four times the national average and ten percent of these cases lead to fatalities. It will be hard to think straight right after the accident, especially when you are overwhelmed with pain and trauma. It is important to know what to do beforehand so you can prepare yourself if ever you become a victim of a hit and run accident.

• Check your body for injuries. Adrenaline may not make you feel any pain so thoroughly check if you are bleeding or have dislocated bones. Check your companions as well, especially if you are with children. Try to keep calm as much as possible and remember as much as you could regarding the incident. Details like the vehicle type, color and most especially the license number can help track down the offending party.

• Call the authorities. Even if the offending driver flees the scene, getting the police on the scene can help you get the medical attention and other things you need as well as get all the facts for the official report. Relaying the crucial information to the police as early as possible will allow you to give out more details as your memory is still fresh.

• Contact a personal injury lawyer. You may think it is not a priority to contact an accident lawyer especially when you think that finding the offending driver is a lost cause. There is another way to get compensation for the horrible accident you have gone through – your insurance company. It is the nature of insurance companies to offer compensation that is less than what you deserve and in your state, it will be difficult to talk to them. A personal injury lawyer can take off the hassle of facing insurance lawyers from your shoulders. In hit and run accidents, you have to prove that it was not caused by your negligence and an attorney can help you with that in order to get the compensation you deserve.

If you are involved in a hit and run accident, there are many attorneys in Santa Barbara, CA that can help you. Contact an accident lawyer in Santa Barbara to help you with your insurance claim.