How to Handle a Hit and Run Accident

What is Classified as a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident is one in which a driver (usually the one at fault) leaves the scene of the accident intentionally without providing contact details. Some examples of hit and run accidents are as follows:

1. A vehicle hits you and speeds off without stopping
2. A driver hits your parked car that was unattended, leaving no contact details for collection of damages.

Process to Handle a Hit-and-Run Case

Depending on whether you are the victim or perpetrator the steps that must be followed will be different and are mentioned below: 

1. Victim:

In case you are the victim in a hit-and-run accident, the below-mentioned steps can be followed: 

1. Look for Injuries: In case you are hurt, get medical help. 

1. Get Details: Try getting details of the other vehicle. You can get details such as the vehicle registration number, car model, and the driver’s description. 
2. Contact the Police: The next step would be to get in contact with the police and provide details of the accident. An accident report will need to be provided to claim insurance. 
3. Get in Touch with the Insurer: You must contact the insurer to provide details of the accident. 
4. Contact a Lawyer: It is important that you contact a lawyer and provide the relevant details of the hit-and-run accident. 

2. Perpetrator:

The below-mentioned steps must be followed by the perpetrator in the case of a hit-and-run accident: 

1. Get in Touch with the Police: You will need to contact the police immediately and provide details of the accident. 
2. Get in Touch with the Insurer: You must contact the insurer to provide details of the accident. 
3. Hire a Lawyer: In the event of any legal action, you will need to hire a lawyer. 

Process to Claim Car Insurance After a Hit-and-Run Accident

In case you are the victim, there are chances of making a claim with the insurance company. You will need to have all the documents ready before you contact the car insurance company. Once the documents have been submitted, they will be reviewed before compensation is provided. 

Compensation After a Hit and Run Accident

In the case of a hit-and-run accident, the below-mentioned compensation is provided under Section 161 of the Motor Vehicle Act: 

1. Death: Rs.2 lakh 
2. Bodily Injury: Rs.50,000 

What Not to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident: 

In case you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, there are certain things you should avoid doing: 

1. Do not leave the accident spot to confront the at-fault driver. 
2. Do not wait in a travel lane in your vehicle. Try to get the vehicle moved to a safe place, if possible. 
3. Do not leave the accident scene without collecting adequate information. 

1. While waiting for the police, do not block the traffic. 

What to Do Immediately After the Accident:

Being the victim of a hit and run accident can result in a lot of stress, but it helps to stay calm. You should also look to gather as much details of the driver/vehicle at fault. When you have more information, the chances of the police catching the at-fault driver will be higher. Your car insurance provider will also be able to make decisions easily with respect to your claim.

You should look to get the details of the car, such as its make, model, and registration number. Also, identify whether there are any witnesses to the accident. If so, request for their names and contact details.

Additionally, you should note the following details:

1. Write down the location and time of the accident
2. Get pictures of the scene of the accident
3. Get pictures of your vehicle - This could be useful in case you are able to see the paint of another car at the spot of the collision.

The above particulars will help you justify your car insurance claim with the insurance company and prove that it is not a fraudulent claim. If your car was hit at the time it was unattended, you should still note the time of the accident, the damage incurred, and the location of the collision.