Being in an accident is stressful enough without the added burden of dealing with a hit and run. After a hit and run, it’s natural to feel angry and confused, not to mention worried about who is going to cover the costs of your auto collision repairs. The steps you take in the wake of a hit and run accident have a big impact on your ability to make a claim and get compensation for injuries and repairs. If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, take these steps to protect your rights.

Call the Police

Even if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident, you should stay as you normally would and call the police. While you wait for the police, move your car if you are blocking traffic and it is safe to do so. Put together as much information about the other car as you can, such as a license plate number and car make and model. Make a note in your phone or on a piece of paper with as much information as you can remember while it is fresh in your mind, so that you can provide it to the police.

Find Witnesses

It can be helpful to find people who witnessed the accident who can make a statement on your behalf. If you are able to stop pedestrians or if other drivers stopped after seeing the accident, get their names and phones numbers and provide them to the police to include in the accident report.

File an Insurance Claim

Although the police will try to find the other driver, you don’t have to rely on that in order to file a claim. Most insurance plans include uninsured motorist coverage that can be used in the case of a hit and run for to cover the expense of collision repairs and medical costs related to the accident.

At National Auto Collision Centers, our team is committed to helping you through every stage of the collision repair process, from towing to insurance to rental cars. If you need repairs, contact our body shops in Tucson by calling (520) 623-4959.