Experiencing a car accident can be traumatic for most people, especially since a lot is running through your mind once it happens to you. Aside from considering collision repair, there are necessary steps to keep you and your car safe in case of a hit-and-run.

Whether you are a victim of an accident or you have caused one, the first thing to do is remain on the scene and head to a safe area. Not pulling over and exchanging information following the collision can result in cancellation of license, serious fines, and possibly jail time.

That said, here are a few steps you should take after a hit-and-run collision accident.

Check Yourself and Your Passengers

Try to stay calm and collected after going through a collision–even if the other driver decides to speed away. The first thing you need to do is ensure that you and your passengers are safe. If there are injuries, immediately call 911 to get medical assistance.

File an Accident Report

Another thing you need to do is report the incident to the police. Call them as soon as you can and file an accident report. There are certain details that you should give them, including the exact location of the incident and – if you’re able to get them – names of potential witnesses. Also let the authorities know about the direction the other driver was heading.

Record Important Information

Although authorities will respond to the scene, you also need to record important info about the accident. If the driver that crashed your car decides to flee the scene, try to gather as much info as you can to give to the police. This helps them find the other driver so you don’t end up paying for all the damages and collision repair.

In addition to the direction the other driver was traveling, the date and time of the accident, don’t forget to get the other car’s license number, approximate year, model, make, and color. You’ll also want to note the contact numbers of possible witnesses. Finally, it also helps if you take photos of the damage to your car as well as the scene where the accident took place.

Contact Your Car Insurance Company

What to Do After a Hit and Run Collision Accident?After calling for medical assistance and the police, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. They may help you with the towing process and finding a rental car for you to use in the meantime. If you were able to identify the other driver and determine that they are insured, it’s possible to get their car insurance information from your own insurance company and file a claim.

Only Trust Collision Repair Experts

When having your car fixed, only trust certified collision repair experts. A reliable auto body service has a bigger pool of technicians who’ll have the right training for different car problems. Each technician can connect with others to obtain expert opinions, or assign some parts of the work to another technician who specializes in that specific repair job.

By always staying calm and remembering the above steps, you’re sure to be prepared in case you get yourself into a hit and run collision accident.

Also Read: Checklist: What to Do After an Auto Collision Accident