What to do in Hit and Run Accidents

Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be both confusing and distressing, and having to lodge claims and paperwork only makes this more stressful. As Melbourne’s trusted personal injury lawyers, Carbone Lawyers is here to guide you through this difficult time.

If you find yourself asking “What to do in a hit-and-run accident?”, our team of experienced road and transport accident lawyers are here to help you in seeking hit-and-run compensation.

Steps to follow after Hit and Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident involves a collision where the responsible party leaves the scene without providing contact information. It can be as serious as when the offending driver doesn’t stop to exchange information.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, your immediate steps to take should be:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional.
Document the Scene: Take photos of your vehicle, the accident scene, and any injuries. Jot down any details you remember about the other vehicle or driver.
Gather Witness Information: If there are witnesses, collect their contact details as their accounts can be invaluable in piecing together what happened.
Report to the Police: In hit-and-run cases, it’s very important to file a police report. This aids in possibly identifying the culprit and is also necessary for insurance and compensation claims.
Contact Your Insurance: Report the incident to your insurance company. Even without the at-fault driver’s details, you may be covered under comprehensive policies for such incidents.

Legal Options and Compensation

In Victoria, even when the at-fault driver remains unidentified, victims of hit-and-run accidents still have ways to claim compensation. This is why Carbone Lawyers’ expertise in road and transport accident claims comes in handy.

Claiming Through the TAC. Even in cases where an offending driver remains unidentified, in most cases, the Transport Accident Commission is willing to accept a primary claim for loss of earnings and medical and like expenses. In many circumstances, an injured person can also make lump sum claims through impairment benefits and/or common law.
What You Can Claim: Compensation can cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and other related costs, we recommend keeping detailed records of any costs you incur because of an accident. Each case is unique but we always aim to secure the maximum compensation possible for you.
No-Win, No-Fee: Carbone Lawyers operates on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, meaning you usually won’t have to worry about any upfront legal fees in pursuing your claim.