If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may be tempted to follow the driver who hit you. It feels unfair and unjust that they would make a critical driving mistake and then leave the scene to avoid responsibility.
However, the reality is that you generally should not follow a hit-and-run driver. For one thing, you or someone else in your car may need medical attention. Prioritizing health and safety is always the most important step.
Additionally, chasing the hit-and-run driver could lead to dangerous driving practices or even additional accidents. For instance, if you hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk while chasing the other driver, you would be responsible for that serious crash. You could also be pulled over by the police for traffic violations during the pursuit.
So what should you do instead?
The best course of action is to contact the authorities. Provide them with any information you have about the accident. For example, you might remember the make and model of the vehicle, or at least its color and general design. Perhaps you caught part of the license plate number. If you have a dash camera, the entire incident may have been recorded, and you can turn that footage over to the police.
In essence, your focus should be on staying safe, seeking medical attention and allowing the police to locate the hit-and-run driver. If their vehicle was damaged in the crash, it may be easier for law enforcement to identify them. Once the driver is found, the police can bring them to justice, and you can pursue options to seek financial compensation.
Of course, seeking compensation after a hit-and-run accident can be complex. Make sure you understand the legal steps to take.