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Should you follow a hit-and-run driver? 

On Behalf of | Feb 3, 2023 | Victims of Violent Crime

It can be highly frustrating to be involved in a hit-and-run. Not only has the other driver made a mistake and injured you, while damaging your car, but they are now breaking the law and refusing to take responsibility for their actions. You may also understand that they are responsible for the medical bills and other costs that you’re now going to be facing, and allowing them to leave the scene could cause them to shirk those costs.

For this reason, people sometimes are tempted to follow a hit-and-run driver. But insurance experts note that this is not a good idea. 

It could be illegal if you drive recklessly or break the speed limit, it could cause another accident and it also means that you are leaving the scene of the first crash. This could cause you to delay the medical care that you actually need for your injuries, and it may be illegal.

So, what should you do?

With a hit-and-run, it’s often wise to simply take notes about exactly what happened so that you can preserve your memories and offer that information to the authorities. Things to consider include the make and model of the car, the color of the vehicle, anything that you remember from the license plate, any distinctive features – such as a bumper sticker – and the general description of where the vehicle was going. If you saw the person who was driving, you can try to describe them to the authorities, as well.

But the thing to remember is that you have been injured during the commission of a crime. Your goal should be to get the medical care that you need for your injuries, while the police will deal with finding the person who committed the crime. Then you can look into the legal steps needed to get the compensation you deserve.