If you’re in a hit and run accident, you will need a car accident lawyer Peoria Illinois. At Carlson Bier Associates, our attorneys have the experience and passion to pursue justice for you. Contact us today at 312-622-2900.
After an accident, the first thing you’ll want to do is figure out if anyone was hurt. If no one was hurt, then report your accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Call the police and file an official report. These are both important steps toward getting full compensation for the damage done to your car and perhaps for any injuries sustained.
Take Photos of the Scene
When you’re involved in a hit and run, the first thing you should do is carefully take photos of the scene. The photos will help document the damage done to your vehicle, as well as any other vehicles that may have been involved. In addition to taking pictures of any physical damage on both your car and other vehicles at the scene, it’s also important that you take pictures of each vehicle’s license plate so that law enforcement can identify them.
Take photos of nearby buildings or structures that could provide additional information about where exactly this accident occurred. The more information about where this occurred, like street signs or nearby stores’ logos/signs will be helpful for law enforcement when investigating this incident later on. Your car accident lawyer Peoria Illinois can also use those to build a case and help you file a claim.
Document the AccidentÂ
Write down exactly what happened: Did the driver of another car hit yours? Did a pedestrian trip over your bike? Was there any damage to property, like glass broken on their vehicle? Note everything that occurred before, during, and after this incident occurred. The smallest detail could be important later on when filing charges against others involved in such incidents.
Record contact information for witnesses: If there were any bystanders who saw what really happened, get their names and phone numbers right away so that they can be contacted by law enforcement officials should they need more information about this event later down the road. Fill out any recommended documentation.
In addition, if anyone was able to get video footage, make sure you obtain a copy that you can provide to the necessary parties. All available information will be important to the police, insurance company, and to your car accident lawyer Peoria Illinois. At Carlson Bier Associates, our attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a consultation.
Remove Your Car from the Roadway and Call the Police
If your car is drivable, move it to the side of the road. If possible, stay in your car and turn on hazard lights. If you cannot move your vehicle or otherwise leave the scene safely (such as if there are no places wide enough for two vehicles), then call 911 immediately and wait for paramedics to arrive.
Call the Police and Report Your Accident. Call 911 if you think you’re in danger, or if it’s an emergency situation. Otherwise, call your local police department directly and report the accident. They will come out and document the accident for your insurance company and any other relevant parties.
Make sure to report Your Accident to Your Insurance Company. Many times, people assume that the other person’s insurance will take care of everything for them and they’ll never have to deal with their own insurance company again. However, if there is any confusion or dispute over who was at fault in an accident both parties’ insurance companies will need to work together in order to sort out who will pay for what damages and injuries caused by the accident.
Consult a car accident lawyer Peoria Illinois
It’s important to follow the proper protocol in any car accident, including a hit and run, especially if you were injured. If you don’t follow proper protocol, then your insurance company may not pay out on your claim for damages or injuries. If your insurance company does pay out, then there is a good chance that the other driver will contest the payment.
If you do follow proper protocol and document everything as soon after the accident as possible, then there is an increased chance of receiving full compensation from both your own insurance company and from any other drivers involved in hitting you or otherwise causing damage to your vehicle.
At Carlson Bier Associates, our car accident lawyer Peoria Illinois has the experience and passion to pursue justice for you. Contact us today for a consultation. We will evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.Â
