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Ah, hit and run. always makes for a miserable situation. Not only is someone else’s vehicle damaged and their property in danger, but the perpetrator often gets away with the crime! but not on our watch. With this blog post, we’re here to provide a step-by-step guide on what to do if you have found yourself in the unfortunate situation of witnessing a hit-and-run. We’ll give you the lowdown on staying safe, collecting evidence, identifying the driver, and making sure that justice is served. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver hits another vehicle, person, or property and then leaves the scene without giving their information or helping the victim. It is an illegal act in the eyes of the law, as drivers are legally required to remain at the scene of an accident until the police arrive and assess the situation. Even in hit-and-runs with no injuries, leaving the scene can lead to legal ramifications.

On the one hand, some people may view a hit-and-run as a rational response; leaving quickly can protect a driver from being held liable for any wrongful actions. However, fleeing from the scene of an accident implies consciousness of guilt, which could significantly weigh against them if they are found out. Moreover, ignoring police and insurance protocols can cause further penalties down the line should any liability be placed on them.

Overall, all drivers should know that leaving the scene of an accident is a crime that could lead to fines or even jail time, depending on how bad the accident was. This is true even if the driver did not mean to leave the scene. Therefore, while it may seem easier in some cases to flee rather than face possible consequences, it is a rarely advisable course of action due to the high likelihood of stern repercussions.

What to Do if You Witness a Hit-and-Run

Witnessing a hit-and-run accident can be a frightening experience, and knowing what to do in the event that you find yourself in this situation is an essential tool. There are two sides to the debate as to how to handle such a situation, so it’s important to consider both before taking any action. The first opinion is for the witness to leave the scene of the accident and report it to law enforcement as soon as possible. By doing this, the witness is protecting themselves from any harm that could happen if they tried to talk to the driver or help out physically at the scene of the accident. After this has been done, they can then provide details to the police about their observations of the crash and its perpetrators.

The argument on the other side is that this approach puts vulnerable populations at risk. Following standard protocol may not always protect those involved if medical attention is needed right away. Therefore, some may believe that remaining at the scene instead provides a better outcome where everyone involved can receive help as soon as possible.

Though both approaches have their merits, which one you choose in these situations should ultimately be up to your discretion and comfort level. That said, remain aware of your safety first and foremost, and never put yourself or anyone else at risk of harm. However, whatever you decide to do after witnessing an incident, it is crucial that you provide as much information about what occurred and who was involved as possible so law enforcement can take the next steps toward finding justice for all parties involved.

1. Provide Details:

By taking steps to help identify the person responsible, however, you can make justice more attainable. Giving a description of the vehicle and driver is an essential part of these steps.

If possible, jot down the license plate number as soon as you can. Then note any distinguishing features associated with either the vehicle or the driver, such as the color and model type of the car, bumper stickers on it, facial features of the driver, or any clothing they wore that stood out. If you write down these details correctly, they could help you find the person who did what happened.

There’s an argument, however, that focusing too much on trying to identify a hit-and-run driver may detract from your immediate priority: calling the police. Although of secondary importance, getting a description down may still be an important part of helping keep communities safe. In cases like these, it’s best to weigh both sides before making a decision that prioritizes your well-being over all else.

2. Report to Law Enforcement:

The most important thing to do is contact the police immediately. By doing this, you not only give the authorities a chance to catch the offender and ensure that any injured parties receive medical attention, but you also make them aware of the potential danger that such drivers pose. As soon as you call the police, they will be able to respond quickly and investigate the scene of the crime thoroughly.

The sudden presence of law enforcement officers may alarm some individuals who have been involved in a hit-and-run, so it is important that you remain on the sidelines and avoid interfering with their investigation. However, if you are a witness to an ongoing situation or can otherwise provide useful information to help solve the case, it is still appropriate to step in and assist where necessary. You should never put yourself in harm’s way while intervening in a criminal act. 

3. Stay Safe:

It may be tempting to chase after the perpetrator or take other action, but it is highly discouraged for your safety as well as that of others. Getting physical with the suspect or confronting him could make the situation worse and put everyone in danger. In some cases, the suspect may react violently or become more aggressive toward the victim, and aggressive behavior toward the victim can cause potential harm. Many cases of violence ensue in these types of interactions, so it’s important to resist the urge to act aggressively. If you manage to get close enough to the driver or are able to write down license plate numbers or other details about the vehicle, take caution not to put yourself at risk chasing after them.

PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO HELP IDENTIFY THE SUSPECT

Now that the necessary safety steps have been taken, it’s time to give more information about the suspect to help find him or her. Depending on a variety of factors, such as visibility and timing, your ability to do this may vary. For example, if you were directly at the scene of the hit-and-run, chances are you would be able to provide more specific information, such as the license plate number or a physical description of the person responsible for the crime. On the other hand, if you weren’t close enough to get a look at these pieces of information, your ability to provide much in terms of identification could be limited.

The question then becomes: How much should you get involved when it comes to providing identifying information? 

• Safety First: In some cases, getting too involved can put you in danger; it’s best not to take matters into your own hands if possible.
• Accuracy: It is also important to remember that providing inaccurate information can cause harm beyond what has already occurred. So even if you think you saw something, it’s best not to lend too much credence to it.

At the end of the day, by taking caution and exercising caution when providing identifying information, you can offer valuable assistance without putting yourself at risk. Suspend judgment until all evidence can be weighed against one another and more facts are unearthed—this is crucial in ensuring that justice is served effectively. It’s time to remember your role as a witness or bystander and do just that: observe and report.

Remember Your Role as a Witness/Bystander

Regardless of what you choose to do next, it’s important for bystanders and witnesses to remember their role—to provide information that can be used in investigations without getting personally involved. While some people may feel compelled to get directly involved and pursue justice, such efforts can put you in peril and should be handled by the law enforcement agency.

Even though it’s true that information from bystanders can often help with an investigation, it’s important for those who give information to watch out for their own safety and health. In cases where active engagement with a suspect is possible without putting one’s own safety at risk, then this might be appropriate and helpful. However, if there is a risk posed by taking such action, then one should err on the side of caution and simply report what one knows.

Seek Legal Guidance from SEAY/FELTON LLC Trial Lawyers

Have you witnessed a hit-and-run accident and don’t know what to do?  At SEAY/FELTON LLC Trial Lawyers, we can help you understand what steps to take if you witness a hit-and-run accident.

If you or someone else was injured in the accident, seek medical attention immediately. Then, contact us at (404) 902-6444 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced trial lawyers. We can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t let a hit-and-run accident go unpunished. Call us now, and let us help you get justice.