Jill Kolodner | October 24, 2024 | Car Accidents

What To Do After a Hit and Run In Baltimore

Car accidents are scary, but the situation can be even more nerve-racking if the other driver flees the scene. Unfortunately, hit and run accidents are all too common in Baltimore. In fact, over 10,000 hit and run accidents occur each year in the city.

If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, there are some things you should do to help protect yourself and your legal interests. Staying calm in this stressful situation and following these steps will pay off in the long run. If you are wondering what to do in a hit and run in Baltimore, here are the steps you should take.

Check Yourself and Your Passengers For Injuries

One of the first things you need to do is assess the extent of any injuries caused by the accident. Check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. If you are able, check on the occupants of any other vehicles that may have been hit. 

Some common injuries resulting from hit and run accidents include the following:

If anyone needs medical attention, call 911. Even if you believe the injuries may be minor, it is best to seek medical treatment right away. Some injuries may not even be apparent immediately after the accident.

Get Information About the Other Vehicle

Once the police are involved, they will attempt to find the vehicle that fled the scene. Remembering as much information as possible about the other car will help the police with their hit and run investigation. Here are some things you should attempt to document about the other vehicle.

If possible, get the license plate number of the fleeing vehicle. This will help police identify the owner and locate the vehicle quickly. However, some vehicles involved in hit and run accidents may not have a license plate. Plus, you may not get a chance to see the license plate before the other vehicle drives away.

Even if you can’t get the license plate, recalling any information about the vehicle will be helpful. Try to remember the color, make, model, and type of vehicle. The more information you can provide, the more likely that the vehicle will be found.

Notify the Police

Maryland law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident, even if the accident only resulted in property damage. If the other driver flees the scene, you need to notify the police right away. This is important for a couple of reasons.

First, let the police handle the investigation and track down the other vehicle. Never attempt to follow a fleeing driver or apprehend them on your own. This could put you in a dangerous situation.

Next, the police will create a report of the incident that describes the details of what happened. They will get your statement and will talk to any potential witnesses. Be aware that your insurance company might require a copy of the police report during the claims process.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Typically, you can recover damages from the other driver if they are responsible for the accident. However, in a hit and run accident, you may never know who the other driver was. In that case, the uninsured motorist coverage on your own insurance policy may cover your injuries.

Go ahead and inform your insurance company of the accident. They can help you get the claims process started. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to recover money for medical expenses and other financial losses resulting from the accident.

Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help

For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144

WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080