Important Things to Remember After a Hit and Run Accident

If you were struck by another car and they have left the scene, it is important that you stay put. Immediately call the police and let them know you have been in an accident, where it is and that the other car has left. Other information you should gather is:

• Their license plate number (if you were able to see it or even a few numbers/letters from it)
• The make and model of the car
• The color of the car
• Time, location and cause of the accident
• Direction the driver headed
• Pictures of the scene and your car damage
• What kind of damage you think their car has



Hit and run accidents can happen quickly and it can be hard to gather information or see what the car that hit you looked like. Any information you provide to the police will be helpful even if it is minor. If the people who witnessed the accident pull over to the scene, it is helpful to gather their contact information and anything they witnessed as well. They should also stay and talk to the police as well as they might be able to provide additional details as to the accident or the driver that fled the scene.

If your vehicle is damaged by a hit and run accident, damage is generally covered by the collision section of your insurance policy. Collision coverage is optional, so some drivers might choose to opt out of getting this kind of coverage. If your vehicle is damaged in a hit and run and you do not have collision insurance, then you will most likely have to pay the repair damage yourself. 

Making an insurance claim after your vehicle was damaged by a hit and run should not impact your premium. This is as long as you have reported it to the police and your insurance company defines it as a “not-at-fault” loss. You should also be sure to have a trusted auto body repair shop that you can bring your car to after an accident. 

A hit and run accident is not just a stressful situation—it’s also a criminal offense in most states. Understanding the legal implications can help you navigate the situation:

• Criminal Charges for the Driver: Fleeing the scene of an accident can result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time for the at-fault driver.
• Your Rights as a Victim: Victims of hit and run accidents have legal rights to pursue compensation for damages, including vehicle repair, medical expenses, and emotional distress.
• Police Investigation: The police will actively investigate hit and run cases, especially if you provide detailed information or if there are witnesses who can identify the fleeing vehicle.

Understanding the legal framework can empower you to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and recover from the incident.

To stay safe and reduce the risk of hit and run incidents in Connecticut, consider parking your car in well-lit and busy areas, especially in cities like Hartford, New Haven, or Waterbury, where higher traffic might increase the risk of accidents. Installing a dashcam can be invaluable, as it records accidents as they happen, providing key evidence for insurance claims or police investigations. Practicing defensive driving is crucial, particularly on busy highways like I-95 or I-84, where accidents are more common. Additionally, always keep your insurance details and emergency contact numbers easily accessible, as this will simplify the process if an accident does occur.

At Ray’s Automotive we have experience will all kinds of vehicle collision repair. We know how stressful a hit and run is, which is why we do our best to make sure we repair your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. As a family owned business, we care about all of our customers like they are part of the family. Give us a call today so we can help you get safely back on the road.