Car accidents in El Paso are extremely stressful and sometimes chaotic, depending on the severity. Getting involved in a hit-and-run car accident can be even more frustrating because you’re left alone to deal with the damages. Many people who experience hit-and-run accidents don’t know how to handle the mess they’re left with when the other person flees. We’ve compiled five simple steps to follow if you’ve experienced a hit-and-run accident in El Paso.
You don’t have to deal with your hit-and-run accident on your own. Aranda Law Firm offers legal services to help get you back on your feet. Give us a call at (915) 996-9914 to get started!
Step 1. Assess the Situation
Before doing anything else, you should check yourself and anyone else in your vehicle for injuries. No matter the extent of the vehicle damage or anything else, everyone’s health comes first. Assuming everyone is okay, be sure your vehicle is not in any immediate danger of being hit by oncoming traffic.
Don’t Follow the Other Person
No matter what, do not leave the scene of the accident! Even if you see the other person involved driving away, the best thing you can do is record their vehicle description and license plate number to report. Leaving the accident scene could result in facing legal consequences that you don’t want, in addition to the vehicle damage.
Step 2. Call the Police
Next, you want to contact the police right away to come file a report for you to have for insurance purposes. Additionally, the police will investigate the scene, determine who is at fault, and report the vehicle that fled. The police will help provide more immediate resources for you in case your vehicle needs to be towed or whatever the situation requires.
Step 3. Record Everything
Fortunately, one of the luxuries of living in the modern world has access to technology to help document the accident. Take pictures from several angles and document the scene in its entirety. If any buildings or property are involved, you will need to take pictures.
If you’re unsure about what needs to be recorded, assume it’s best to take more photos than needed. This practice will help move the insurance claims process faster and answer any questions they or your car accident attorney may have.
Step 4. Hire A Car Accident Attorney in El Paso
After contacting your insurance provider, you may need to find a car accident attorney to help you through this sometimes painstaking process. Hit-and-run accidents can leave you feeling alone with no one in your corner to help you.
A car accident attorney will simplify the process and fight to get you the compensation you need to cover costs from the accident. Additionally, if the police find the other driver, an El Paso car accident attorney may be required. They will help you move through the proper legal steps or help defend your case if needed.
Step 5. Call Your Insurance Provider
With your car accident attorney, you must contact your insurance provider immediately. If you’re fortunate enough to identify the fleeing party, their insurance will cover the accident costs, but this is a rarity for hit-and-run accidents. If you are left to handle the accident alone, you must go through your insurance provider to collect the proper compensation.
El Paso Car Accident Attorney
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run vehicle accident in El Paso, then contact the car accident attorneys at Aranda Law Firm by calling (915) 996-9914. Hit-and-run accidents can be traumatic events that are often difficult to navigate alone.
The last thing you’ll want to do after a vehicle accident is to go back and forth with the insurance providers, repair shops, and anyone else involved. Bring the Aranda Law Firm car accident attorneys to your aid and watch us carry the heavy weight for you.