If you have been injured in a hit and run accident in Bakersfield, there are some steps you should try to take as soon as possible. While you are facing a difficult situation, you may still be able to recover your losses, and it will be important for you to do everything you can to seek just compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer can assist you with many aspects of a claim after a hit and run. Here are seven important steps you should follow:
Step #1: Call 911
After a hit and run accident in Bakersfield, you should call 911. This is something you should do after any type of collision, but it is especially important when the other driver flees the scene. If you are no longer at the scene of the accident, you can call the Bakersfield Police Department’s non-emergency phone number: (661) 327-7111. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as you can, and be sure to carefully follow any instructions he or she provides.Step #2: Seek Medical Treatment for Your Injuries
When you suffer injuries in a car accident, seeking prompt medical treatment is important for protecting both your health and your legal rights. If you have not yet seen a doctor, you should do so as soon as possible. Tell your doctor that you sustained your injuries in a car accident (so that this can be reflected in your medical records) and fully describe all of your symptoms. Before you leave your doctor’s office, make sure you know your next steps (i.e., waiting for test results or scheduling a follow-up appointment). Follow your doctor’s advice, and keep all records you receive related to your medical care.Step #3: Contact a Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
When seeking to identify a hit and run driver, time is of the essence. With this in mind, in addition to calling the Bakersfield Police Department, you should also contact a Bakersfield car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to coordinate with the police and use additional investigative means in order to try to determine who hit you. Your lawyer will also be able to advise you what to do (and what not to do) as you pick up the pieces. In addition, an experienced attorney can discuss all of your options for recovering the compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances, these options may include:- Identifying the hit and run driver;
- Pursuing a third-party claim (i.e., for a vehicle or road defect); and/or
- Filing a claim under your Med Pay or UMC policy (or both).