For drivers, perhaps one of the most irritating moments is being in the receiving position in case of an accident. Panic might just be that unwanted companion when the reality hits that the other driver fled the scene.  Knowing what to do in such a case often presents a great difference-maker toward recovery and protection of your legal rights. Here are seven of the key steps so crucial if you are part of a hit-and-run accident:  Foremost: Your safety First and foremost, after the hit-and-run accident, one would take oneself to safety.  Unless the car is too damaged to continue driving or you are in a state where you can’t move it at all absolutely, try when possible to move your vehicle from the stream of traffic.  Put your seat belt on, remain inside, and just await help. Turn hazard lights on to alert oncoming traffic and prevent other accidents from happening. If the accident happened, make your way to a safe location and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 for immediate medical attention. Call the Police Even though the other driver fled the scene, it is very important to report the accident to the authorities. In most jurisdictions, hit-and-run is a criminal offense.  By reporting the accident to the police, there will be an official record of the accident. If You Speak to the Police, Try to Provide as Much of the Following Information as you can  Time and location of the accident, Information about the other vehicle’s color, make and model, and license plate number.  The police may not always be in a position to find the individual immediately, but filing a report is very important to your insurance claim and possible legal representations later.  Try to Get Information  You may not have so much time before the other driver runs away, but try to get as much information as you can. Look for any clues that could identify another driver or his vehicle.  This includes: The make, model, color, and any damage to the vehicle. The license plate number. Even a partial number can be of great help. The direction the other vehicle was traveling. It is also helpful to speak with anyone who may be passing by. They may have seen something helpful to identify the responsible party. Document the Scene Take photos of your car, the scene of the accident, and the damages.  All these will be important in filing your insurance claim and any subsequent legal action you could take. Even though the driver fled the scene, picturing the situation well tells a lot in the course of the investigation. The condition of the road or the skid marks, or even the signs that the impact from the other vehicle had created, should all be similarly photographed.  Evidence of such a nature might come in quite handy subsequently for the purpose of establishing facts. Call Your Insurance Company Third, after having informed the police and gathered all the information, it would be time to call your insurance company.  Most likely, the insurance company will also need a copy of the police report, photos, and any details you may have in order to start processing your claim.  This can help pay your expenses, including vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other damages caused by the hit-and-run, especially if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Be prepared to answer the specific questions the insurance company will ask. They shall, therefore, have ample basis on which to get your claim into their start-up processing as quickly as possible. Legal Consultation Most serious damages or injuries, after all, involve the indispensable use of a lawyer.  The car accident lawyer can help you through all the complicated legal matters resulting from such a hit-and-run case.  They will be able to guide you through whether you have a rightful claim and how to make one in case the other driver is never found. Legal entanglements occur in the instance when a commercial truck is involved in an accident.  The work of the truck accident attorney involves guiding one through the process and ensuring that one’s rights are well understood with correct compensation determined.  Be Patient and Follow Through Investigations for hit-and-runs do take time. Where the other party has not been found, follow up with the police but speak regularly with the insurance companies in the hope that the location of this driver has been successful.  This may also include calling a car accident attorney or even a truck accident attorney, who must address all the issues properly concerning your case. This can sometimes be a very slow process; patience and organization will alleviate the added stress. If needed, seek an attorney. Conclusion A hit-and-run accident is a tremendously shocking involvement; knowing these steps will empower an individual to face it with composure and handle the situation calmly.  Ensuring your safety, gathering the right information, and seeking legal help if needed will help you navigate the aftermath of an accident more easily. An expert attorney can help protect your rights and assist you through the complicated questions involved with the law during a car accident.  In case a person is involved in a truck accident, services of attorneys who have expertise in dealing with such truck accidents are called to service since such accidents require representation in court who can advise on the particular incident and intricate situation. The post 7 Steps to Take If You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident appeared first on Santa Clarita Valley Signal.