Justice for a Hit and Run Victims

If you’ve watched the cop-footage show World’s Scariest Police Chases (and its current incarnation, World’s Wildest Police Videos), chances are you may have caught yourself staring in disbelief at some particular segments. There’s always the possibility that what you see on TV, such as hit and runs, will happen to you or someone you know. How would you deal with such a scenario?

Hit-and-runs are normally classified as a crime when the other party just drives off, but if you were left behind, it is best not to chase after the car. Quickly jot down the vehicle’s make and model, as well as its license plate number, then talk to eyewitnesses. As much as possible, take pictures of the damage, then call your lawyer and insurance provider about the problem.

Share your information with police officers arriving on the scene and have them talk to the witnesses as well. It is important that details of the accident are made known to the authorities five days after the incident. According to Massachusetts state law, reporting is needed in case the total property damage is estimated to be over $1,000. The vehicle insurance carrier is capable of covering up to $2,000, as long as all proper documents are included in the claim, especially the pictures of the damage.