Getting into a car accident is bad enough in itself - even if you're lucky enough to escape uninjured, you're still going to have to deal with going through the process of getting your car repaired to its like-new state again. Getting into a hit-and-run accident is even MORE stressful and Toyota of Orlando is here to give you tips on how to react to this unfortunate circumstance.
A hit-and-run accident is exactly what it sounds like - someone hits your car in an accident or collision and then takes off, leaving you to clean up the consequences. This type of car accident is especially stressful because when the other person leaves, you don't have their car insurance information to file a claim to fix your car. This means either your insurance has to cover it (and hopefully you have this type of coverage on your car) OR you have to foot the bill yourself.
What should you do after a hit-and-run accident?
So, how should you react in this situation? Here are some quick Orlando Toyota tips:
#1: Make sure no one is hurt - assess yourself and all of the passengers in your car after a hit-and-run accident to see if emergency medical services are needed. If they are, call 911 immediately to get the help you need.
#2: Next, move your car off the road if possible - you want it out of the way of traffic so another vehicle doesn't hit you. You should also make it as visible as possible; turn on your hazard lights and headlights, and if you have flares or road triangles, put them out.
#3: Your third step should be to call the police and start documenting everything. The police can assist you in filing a police report (which you'll need for your insurance company). You should write down where the accident happened, the date and time, and the events that led up to it. Try to write down as many details as you can about the other car and driver and take photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as the scene of the accident. All of this will be helpful both to the police in finding the other car as well as to your insurance company.
#4: You should also try to see if there were any witnesses to the car accident. Have them give their statement to the police and also get their contact information should you need to get more details from them in the future.
#5: Last, you need to tie up loose ends. This means going to the doctor as soon as possible if you have injuries so you have documentation both of the injuries and recommended course of treatment (this way, insurance can help cover your medical bills). You should also file a claim with your insurance as soon as you can, letting them know that it was a hit-and-run accident.
Get your auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando after a hit-and-run accident
And when you need repairs, you know who to call - tell your car insurance company that you want to work with Toyota of Orlando! Our body shop is ready and waiting to get your car back on the road. You can reach Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-6006 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road.
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