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What to Do After a Hit-And-Run Accident in Portland

10/03/22

A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating and stressful types of collisions that you could be involved in. These accidents happen when a driver flees the scene of the collision, leaving victims without the necessary information to file an insurance claim.

If you are hit by a hit-and-run driver, it is important to stay calm, preserve evidence, and seek help from medical and legal professionals. Here is what to do after a hit-and-run accident in Portland. 

#1: Get Your Car to a Safe Place

If you are hit by a driver who flees the scene, you should not chase after him or her. This action could be extremely dangerous and put you and your passengers at risk. Instead, pull your vehicle over in a safe location and check on everyone in the vehicle. If anyone is injured, seek medical care as soon as possible.

#2: Write Down Information About the Other Driver

Next, you should write down as many details as you can remember about the hit-and-run driver. The more information that you record, the better the chances that the police will be able to identify the motorist. 

Note down any details you can recall, such as the following:

  • The make, model, and color of the car
  • The car’s license plate number
  • The direction that the driver was traveling after the crash
  • The driver’s physical appearance
  • The time and location of the accident
  • Any other unique details that you can remember

#3: Call 911 and Report the Accident to the Police

If you have not done so already, call 911 and report the hit-and-run accident to the police. The police will attend the scene, take down important information about the crash, and may launch an investigation to find the driver. You could also use this police report as evidence in a future insurance claim.

#4: Seek Medical Attention

Then, you should go to the hospital and seek medical care for any injuries that you may have. Some hit-and-run accidents lead to very serious injuries that are apparent from the beginning, but other injuries may not show symptoms until a few hours or days after the collision. Always seek medical care after the accident and save your medical records.

#5: Gather Other Evidence from the Scene

If you are able, you should try to collect any evidence that you can at the scene of the accident. For example, if any witnesses saw the accident happen, ask them for more information and if you could have their contact information. These individuals could provide valuable testimony in your case.

Additionally, you should look for any physical evidence of the vehicle. Perhaps some paint scraped off onto your vehicle during the collision, or a piece of the other car broke off during the collision. Gather this evidence if possible.

You should also take as many photographs and videos as possible. Take photos of your vehicle, any visible injuries, and the area around the accident. Make sure to capture debris, skid marks, and any traffic signs or signals.

#6: Contact a Portland Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Once you have received medical care for your claim, you should speak to a Portland accident lawyer as soon as you can. An attorney can help guide you through your legal options and even launch an investigation to identify the hit-and-run driver. As soon as possible following your collision, speak to an attorney to strategize your next steps.