What Every Mom Needs to Know About Handling a Hit-and-Run Incident

Mom’s are some of the hardest working people on the planet. They truly do not always get the amount of credit they deserve for what they do. With all the running around, chores, responsibilities, and of course – love – they provide us with all the care they can. On that note, mom also has to worry about a lot. From their kids to their friends, and their spouses, it can be much to think about. So that is why it is important for every mother to know how to handle a hit and run incident because they are thinking about themselves, and their loved ones on the daily commute.

All of the business of driving in daily life can sometimes result in accidents, hit and runs being a possibility as well. It is unfortunate, but it is part of life. Hit and runs are some of the worst because the stress of having to prove that someone did it is hard, but with this advice, you can be sure that you are in the know on how to handle it if it ever happens to you.

Check For Injuries

First, and this should be done quickly as well, is to ensure that everyone, including yourself, is okay after the incident. If it was a bystander, go check on them to make sure they are not seriously injured. If you find that they are seriously injured, then you will want to contact other emergency services like the fire department or emergency medical services, or find the nearest urgent care location, right away. While you might not be able to stop the driver right away, you can only do so much, and that means helping out as best you can. If you can, you should exit the vehicle (only if safe to do so) and go to the side of the road. You might want to move your vehicle, but it is advised not to. Anyone else involved should be moved to the sidewalk or side of the road to further prevent any possible injuries or accidents.

Contacting the Police

As with most car accidents, the first people you should be calling are emergency services and there will be more on this shortly, but in this case, it should be the police. The biggest problem in a hit and run is seeing a driver leave the scene, and not being able to stop them. You should never chase after someone, as that can endanger others, but what you can do is call the police immediately. Describe the color of the car, the make, model, the license plate as best you can, and if possible, a description of the driver as well. Likely, the police will be able to find them if you can provide enough information. It can be hard to do so when you are caught up in the moment of shock that someone hit you, your car, or someone else, but it is important to get the vital details down fast. Similarly, taking a photo or video of the vehicle is smart for evidence as well.

Collect Evidence

The photo or video you took of the driver would be incredibly helpful for police, but you can also note down the time it occurred, pictures of your car, the streets, and other information. All of this will help speed up the process for police and give them the advantage of catching the person responsible. As mentioned, do not try to move your car, because its position will be helpful in determining how much responsibility is on the other driver. While a hit and run is a pretty open and shut case because fleeing implies guilt, you still do not want to make it any harder for them to investigate.

Contacting a Lawyer

After all, is said and done, and the police have collected their evidence or investigation, you should consider seeking out legal help. Even if the case may be open and shut, a lawyer or legal aid can help you get the most out of a settlement to help pay for damages or medical bills. These lawyers know your situation well and have seen a thing or two in their time dealing with auto accidents, so they provide the expertise that is invaluable for you, and one fewer thing for a mom to deal with is the legal responsibility.

Mom’s do so much for us, but in their daily lives, while out shopping, driving the kids to school, or just out for leisure, they can be susceptible to hit and run incidents just like the rest of us. To avoid adding more to theirs or your plate it is important to be aware of what you need to know when handling this kind of situation.