At the scene of any accident, your first step should be to document the entire event. Often, a key step is to talk with the driver of the other vehicle. Usually, you will exchange insurance information with the other driver and contact the police.
However, in a hit-and-run situation, you are not able to talk to the other driver because he or she has fled the scene. According to State Farm Insurance, under no circumstances should you try to drive after the fleeing motorist.
Why should I not chase after the fleeing motorist?
Chasing after the fleeing motorist could confuse eyewitnesses at the scene of the accident. If two cars and up in a collision and both of them leave the scene, this can confuse eyewitnesses.
Of course, you absolutely should move your car out of the flow of traffic if necessary. However, even if the other motorist is driving away, you need to stay put. If anybody has an injury, make sure to call 911 for appropriate medical assistance. If nobody sustained an injury, call the police non-emergency line to make a report.
Can the eyewitnesses help me?
Cell phones with cameras are very common. It is very possible that an eyewitness to the collision was able to take either photos or video of the fleeing motorist. You should absolutely speak to eyewitnesses and see if they can help.
Use the eyewitnesses to help you construct the scene of the accident as accurately as possible. The more information that you give the police about the fleeing motorist, the more likely it is they will be able to locate him or her.
