For Montana drivers, a hit and run accident is extremely stressful. Even if you’re not seriously injured, you’ll still have to deal with significant property damage, and the driver responsible will be long gone when it comes time to deal with the issue. There are steps you can take to keep yourself safe while ensuring the negligent party is brought to justice, as explained by State Farm below.
Stay On The Scene
While you’ll probably be tempted to pursue the fleeing vehicle, don’t. First of all, pursuing another driver can lead to serious injuries and property damage, both for you and other people. Additionally, you could get in legal trouble, as leaving the scene for any reason other than to receive medical attention could land you in hot water. Instead, stay on the scene until law enforcement arrives so you can provide a statement to police.
Take Down Information
While waiting for police to arrive, be sure to take down some notes about what occurred. Even relatively minor details on the other vehicle can prove helpful. This includes the make and model of the vehicle, the direction it sped off in, and even a partial license plate. Also, be sure to take pictures of any damage occurring to your vehicle. This can help insurance adjusters and others determine the cause of the damage, which goes a long way towards assigning fault.
Talk To Witnesses
In the same token, be sure to talk to any witnesses on the scene. These people may be able to provide further insight into what occurred, which will prove invaluable for your case. Also, make sure you get any witnesses’ names and contact information. If you do end up taking the issue to court witness testimony is useful for determining who was at fault.
At Colton Holm Law Firm, we look forward to learning how we can help you resolve your legal concern.Call us today: (406) 259-9986