What do you do in a case of hit and run?

Answer 1

If someone hits your vehicle and leaves the scene of the accident, you will need to immediately call the police to the scene. If there are no witnesses to the accident and you cannot find out who did it, you will file the claim under the uninsured motorists part of your auto policy. This part of your policy will act as if they were the insurance carrier for the other party and will pay for your damages less a deductible.

Answer 2

Since another question, "What happens if you get caught for a hit and run", answers about the driver who hit another vehicle and left the scene, I will answer this question from the point of view of the driver who did not leave the scene. In the case of a hit and run where the other driver leaves, you should:

• If there are injuries, immediately call 911 for medical help.
• Immediately write down any description you remember about the vehicle and driver
• Write down any license number you saw, even if only a partial plate.
• Do not leave the scene to go after the other driver.
  
• Make sure any witnesses stay until the police arrive. You cannot compel anyone to stay but try to convince them, politely.
• Call the police and request an officer
• Complete a police report and tell the details you wrote down. Make sure the officer talks to the witnesses.
• Comply with the officer's instructions-- police are great with guiding a driver through this process
• If your car can be driven, you'll drive away after the police are done.
• If your car cannot be driven, the police (or you) will call a tow truck. Tell the tow trunk driver where you want your vehicle to go-- e.g. X Repair Shop. You will end up paying the tow, but you might get the fee covered under your insurance.
• IF you violated any law, you can be charged or ticketted. Your actions are still important, even if someone else hit you. Like always, if you disagree with a ticket, you can go to court to plead your viewpoint.
• If you violated the law and / or you are obviously drunk or using drugs, the police can prohibit you from driving away. Your car will be ordered to be towed. You'll pay towing and lot fees, plus go to court on your drunk/drugged driving charges. You could be arrested; likely will be arrested.
• If the police determine or suspect you are medically impaired--for example, you are having hypoglycemia as a diabetic, they (or you) can call for an ambulance. If you are mentally impaired from a medical condition but refuse to go to the hospital, the police CAN order you to receive medical evaluation if they deem you cannot make a proper decision for yourself. Again, the Diabetes example.
• You should call your insurance company as soon as possible, if damage warrants. Some people call for a scratch on a car... some people ignore a big dent... it is up to you, based on the value of your vehicle, and other variables that only you can decide, such as you have a huge deductible.
• Your insurance company will take your statement, usually in an audiotaped phone call. You'll work with your ins. company to get your car fixed. This may take weeks to sort out.
• You should request a copy of the police report the next day.
• Unless there was bodily injury or property damage, the police may not actively investigate. If bodily injury, death, or property damage (for example, during the accident, one vehicle hit someone's house), the police will actively investigate.
• The other driver may, or may not, be identified later. If you happen to discover this information, you can call the police to add it to your report. For example: I happen to see the car and driver the next week when I'm doing errands.
• IF the other driver is found, you may be contacted.