You may feel completely blindsided when another vehicle collides with yours seemingly out of nowhere. But the utter shock may set in once you see the other driver speeding off in the other direction. Though you may feel particularly helpless at this point, it is in your best interest to remain calm. There are some ways you may attempt to rectify the situation if you can maintain level-headedness. So, without further ado, please continue reading to learn what to do if the other driver flees the scene of your accident and how an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you handle the next steps.
What should I do if the other driver flees the scene of my car accident?
Just because the other driver fled the scene of your car accident does not mean you should walk away too. Instead, you should stay put and dial 911. When speaking with a dispatcher, you should tell them the color, make, and model of the other driver’s vehicle, along with their license plate number and the general direction they were heading, if you had time to retain this information. With this, the dispatcher may send law enforcement officers to search for this driver on the roads. They may also send law enforcement officers to respond to the scene of your accident.
While you are waiting for law enforcement to arrive, you should step out of your vehicle, if you are able to, and flag down individuals who might have witnessed your accident take place. Here, you should ask them if they are willing to stick around to speak with the responding law enforcement. In a best-case scenario, these witnesses may have video footage of your accident going down, or camera snapshots of the other driver’s vehicle type and license plate number.
What is the next step if the other driver is eventually identified?
With the combined efforts of law enforcement, eyewitnesses, and yourself, the other driver will hopefully be tracked down eventually. If so, you may proceed forward with filing a claim with their auto insurance provider. But if you require more compensation than what their insurance is offering, you may also pursue a personal injury claim against them.
Before your civil lawsuit can commence, though, you may have to wait for the other driver to wrap up their criminal proceedings. This is because their actions on the day of your car accident may constitute a hit-and-run. Of note, this is considered a criminal offense in the Province of Ontario. With this, they may be facing imprisonment, fines, driver’s license suspension, and worst of all, a permanent criminal record.
In conclusion, before entering the legal arena, you must retain the services of a skilled Toronto auto accident lawyer. Reach out to Merricks Law Group, P.A. today.
