Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is an overwhelming experience. You may be left with vehicle damage, injuries, and no information about the driver who caused the crash. Knowing what to do in those critical moments can help protect your rights and improve your chances of finding the responsible party. Reporting the incident quickly and accurately is one of the most important steps you can take.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run in Maryland, working with a personal injury lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected. Below, we outline the steps you should take to report a hit-and-run and why following through is crucial.

What Is Considered a Hit and Run?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange contact or insurance information. This can happen after collisions with another vehicle, pedestrians, cyclists, or even parked cars. Maryland law requires all drivers to remain at the scene and render aid if someone is injured.

Failure to stay at the scene can result in criminal charges, fines, and license suspension. Because of the serious consequences, you should report the incident to law enforcement as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand how the law applies to your specific situation.

Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident

Acting quickly after a hit and run can make a significant difference in finding the at-fault driver and preserving evidence. Here is what you should do:

1. Ensure your safety. Move to a safe location and check for injuries.
2. Call 911 immediately. Reporting the accident right away allows police to begin their investigation quickly.
3. Gather as much information as possible. Write down details about the vehicle, driver description, and the direction they were headed.
4. Take photographs or videos. Document the scene, any damage to your vehicle, and any debris left behind.
5. Look for witnesses. Get their names and contact information, as they may have seen the other driver.

Following these steps helps law enforcement gather evidence, which can later be used by your hit and run auto accident attorney in MD to build a stronger case.

Why Reporting the Incident Matters

Some victims of hit-and-run accidents may think it is pointless to report the crash if the other driver has fled. However, filing a police report is critical for several reasons:

• It allows law enforcement to begin searching for the driver, potentially using traffic cameras or witness statements.
• It creates official documentation, which you may need when filing an insurance claim.
• It can help protect you from false accusations if the other driver later reports the crash differently.

Without a report, it may be difficult for your insurer to approve your claim. If you are unsure how to proceed, a hit and run accident attorney in Waldorf can guide you through the process.

What Information Should You Provide?

When speaking with police, provide as much detail as possible about the other vehicle and driver. This might include:

• Make, model, and color of the vehicle
• License plate number (even partial numbers can help)
• Any visible damage to the other vehicle
• Driver’s appearance and clothing
• Direction of travel after leaving the scene

The more information you provide, the higher the chance of locating the responsible party. This information can also help your hit-and-run auto accident lawyer in Maryland pursue compensation on your behalf.

How Insurance Coverage Works in Hit and Run Cases

If the driver cannot be located, your uninsured motorist coverage may be used to cover medical expenses and property damage. Maryland requires drivers to carry this type of coverage, which protects you in situations where the at-fault driver is unidentified or uninsured.

Your insurer may still require you to file a police report before approving the claim. Providing a timely report and the evidence you gathered can make the claims process much smoother.

What If the Police Find the Driver?

If law enforcement locates the driver, they may face criminal charges, including fines and possible jail time. In addition to the criminal case, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries, lost wages, and property damage.

An experienced attorney can help you understand your options and ensure that you pursue all possible avenues for compensation. To see how legal support can impact a case, review our case results from clients we have helped in similar situations.

The Role of an Attorney in Hit and Run Cases

Victims of hit-and-run accidents often face unique challenges when it comes to recovering damages. A hit and run accident lawyer in Waldorf, MD can assist you by:

• Investigating the accident and working with law enforcement to locate the driver
• Communicating with your insurance company to ensure your claim is handled properly
• Gathering evidence to support a potential lawsuit if the driver is identified
• Ensuring that all deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits are met

Having legal representation can make the process less stressful and help you focus on your recovery.

Filing a Police Report After Leaving the Scene

If you did not report the accident immediately, you should still file a report as soon as possible. Maryland law allows you to submit a report to the police even after you have left the scene, but waiting too long can harm your case.

A police report helps create a clear record of the incident and prevents the other driver from making false claims. If you need help filing the report or understanding how it will affect your insurance claim, contact a hit-and-run accident attorney in Waldorf for assistance.

Protecting Your Rights After a Hit and Run

Being involved in a hit-and-run is frightening, but you do not have to handle the situation alone. The Law Office of Robert Castro, P.A. in Waldorf has over 50 years of combined experience helping accident victims navigate the claims process. We pride ourselves on returning calls within 24 hours and offer evening and weekend appointments to fit your schedule.

To learn more about how we support clients in personal injury cases, visit our personal injury page or read client reviews about our work.

Building a Solid Foundation for Your Case

Reporting a hit and run promptly is the best way to protect your rights and preserve evidence. The Law Office of Robert Castro can guide you through each step of the process, from filing the police report to handling insurance claims. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay us unless we recover compensation for you.

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, contact us today to schedule a consultation. You can reach us by visiting our contact page or exploring our attorneys page to learn more about our team.