How Do I Report a Hit and Run Case I Witnessed?
It is estimated that a hit and run accident occurs every 43 seconds. A person involved in an accident who fails to stop at the scene to provide assistance or contact the authorities has committed a hit and run. If you have had the misfortune of witnessing a hit and run, you may be frozen in shock at what you just saw. However, it is important that you take appropriate steps to report the incident, as explained by our Greenville car accident lawyers.
Call 911
Immediately calling 911 is essential following a hit and run. Describe to the operator what you saw happen, including the location and if anyone was injured or killed. If you saw the motorist fleeing the scene, providing information on the make or model of their vehicle may be helpful in an investigation.
Take Photos and Videos
If you were able to take a video of the hit and run, this could provide crucial information on how the accident unfolded. You may also collect necessary evidence, such as the license plate of the vehicle driven by the hit and run driver, which can provide law enforcement with important information. Taking photos immediately after the accident is beneficial, too, as it provides photographic evidence of any shredded tires, broken taillights, and other vehicle debris.
Provide a Witness Statement
In the aftermath of a hit and run, wait until the police arrive on the scene. When an officer arrives, make them aware that you witnessed the accident. If the officer asks for a statement, provide your full name and best contact number. In making a statement, describe what you saw and heard, as well as your general mood right after. Any and all information is welcome. No detail is too small to not mention.
Contact a Greenville Car Accident Attorney
While not always expected, hit and run drivers are typically located. As a witness to a hit and run, you can provide law enforcement with crucial information in trying to locate the driver who left the scene. A car accident lawyer can assist in the police investigation by contacting local businesses to retrieve surveillance footage. Witnessing an accident is no small matter, and a Greenville car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights.
For instance, many people get confused about the requirement to offer help to an injured person. While you should call 911, there is no legal obligation to render medical assistance. Even so, the state does protect individuals who attempt to help others in good faith. Under South Carolina’s Good Samaritan Law, if you render medical assistance for an injured party, you will not be held accountable for any further injuries as long as your intentions are honorable.
Speak with Our Greenville Car Accident Attorneys Today
Watching a hit and run unfold can be alarming, making you unsure of what to do next. When you work with our Greenville car accident lawyers, you will be made aware of both your rights and obligations under the law following a hit and run. If you are interested in learning how to best serve justice, do not hesitate to contact Fulton & Barr Attorneys at Law. To get started, contact us online or give us a call to schedule your free consultation.