Hit and Run Car Accidents

A hit and run accident can have devastating consequences not only to the victim, but to the members of the victim's family. Recently, a 5th grade teacher from Shaker Heights was killed by a hit and run driver while he was out jogging around 5:30 pm on January 24, 2015. The driver had been stopped by the police for a traffic violation and when the police approached the vehicle the driver fled the scene. The car was found abandoned down the road from the scene of the accident and the driver had disappeared. The family was left with a great loss and many unanswered questions.

One way to protect yourself and your family, in case you are involved in a hit and run accident, is to have a substantial amount of uninsured motorist coverage in your automobile insurance policy. The uninsured motorist provision will help to pay medical bills,  pay you for your loss of earnings, and compensate you for pain, suffering and emotional distress if you are involved in a hit and run accident.

If you are involved in a hit and run accident here are a few things you should do:

1. Attempt to get the license plate number, including the make and color of the vehicle.
2. Notify the police as soon as possible. Many insurance policies require that the police be notified within 24 hours.
3. Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible to make a claim. Many insurance policies require that you make a claim within 30 days.
4. Do not attempt to make any repairs whatsoever to the damage of your vehicle prior to allowing your insurance company to inspect the vehicle.
5. Obtain the names and addresses of anyone who may have witnessed the accident.

The most important thing is to make sure that you have substantial uninsured motorist limits so that you and your family are adequately protected. If you need assistance or have any questions please contact a Cleveland auto accident attorney at NRS by filling out our contact form, or call toll free 1-800-GOT-HURT.