What If The Other Driver Leaves The Scene Of The Accident?

In the state of Maryland, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, and drivers who do so can face serious penalties. While the law is well understood, hit-and-run accidents still happen and when they do they can leave victims unsure of how to proceed. If you’ve been in a collision and the other driver is uncooperative or difficult to locate, know there are professionals, like Baltimore personal injury lawyers who can assist.

Steps to Take Immediately When Another Driver Is Uncooperative

If the other driver leaves the scene or refuses to provide their information, it’s important to take the following steps to protect yourself.

• Stay at the scene and call the police. It’s important for you to remain at the scene of the accident, even if the other driver leaves. Contact the police and report the hit-and-run. Officers will file an accident report, which will support your position when you file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action.
• Gather evidence. If the other driver speeds away, try to gather as much information as possible. This could include the make, model, and color of the vehicle, the license plate number, and any visible details about the driver. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information.
• Document the scene. Take photos of your vehicle, the surrounding area, and any property damage or injuries you sustained. These details will be helpful for your insurance claim and any future legal proceedings.
• See a healthcare provider. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms right away. Having medical documentation of your injuries will also help establish a connection between the accident and any physical harm you’ve suffered.

Sometimes the other driver may not leave the scene entirely but may still refuse to cooperate by not providing their insurance information or giving false details. It is required by law for drivers to exchange contact and insurance information after an accident. If the other driver is uncooperative, call the police and ask them to respond to the scene.

Investigating the Accident and Obtaining Insurance Information

Seasoned car accident lawyers know how to work with law enforcement, review traffic camera footage, and gather evidence to identify any individuals who should have stayed yet fled. They may also be able to use forensic evidence to track down the responsible party.

Then, if the other driver’s identity is uncovered, your Baltimore personal injury lawyer can assist in obtaining their insurance information and filing a claim on your behalf. They’ll handle the negotiations with the insurance company to ensure that you’re fairly compensated for your damages and injuries.

Should you try and uncover the identity of a driver who abandoned you? Protect your rights, talk to the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. With legal support, hit-and-run drivers can be identified. Then, all avenues of compensation can be explored. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.