A hit and run can be a frightening and frustrating experience. You may be dealing with injuries, damage to your vehicle, medical bills and time away from work, all while the person responsible has left the scene. You may not know if the driver will be found or how you will cover the costs of the accident. Knowing what to do next can help you protect your health and your rights.
If you were involved in a hit and run in Bullitt County, there are several important steps you should take as soon as possible.
Move to a safe location
If your vehicle can move safely, pull away from traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs emergency medical care or the crash creates a safety hazard.
Do not chase the fleeing driver. A pursuit could put you and others at greater risk.
Record what you remember
Try to collect as much information as possible while the details remain fresh. Even a partial description can help investigators.
- Write down the other vehicle’s make, model, color and license plate details you remember.
- Note the direction the vehicle traveled after the crash.
- Record the time and location of the collision.
- Look for witnesses and ask for their contact information.
- Take photographs of your vehicle, the crash location and visible injuries.
- Save nearby business or traffic-camera information if you know where cameras may have captured the collision.
Keep your notes and photos safe. They may become important if you later need to file a claim.
Report the crash
Report the hit-and-run to law enforcement as soon as possible. Provide the information you remember and obtain a copy of the crash report when available.
Under Kentucky law, drivers involved in qualifying crashes generally have duties to stop, provide information and assist when necessary. Leaving the scene can create separate legal consequences for the fleeing driver.
Notify your insurance company
Tell your insurer about the crash promptly. Depending on your policy, uninsured motorist coverage may help with certain losses when the responsible driver cannot be identified. Coverage rules vary, so review your policy carefully before assuming what it covers.
A hit-and-run can leave you with unanswered questions and unexpected expenses. Prompt reporting, careful documentation and medical attention can help protect important evidence and support informed decisions about what to do next.