After being in a car crash, both drivers should stop and collect insurance information from each other, contact the police, and then call for medical help if needed. However, what do you do when the other driver doesn't stop or leaves the scene? Unfortunately, this happens in about 10% of cases so it's much more common than you might think.

Although we'll review the steps to take in a hit-and-run, the most important aspect to understand is that you will want to treat it very similarly to a regular crash. Contacting a personal injury attorney will increase your likelihood of getting the compensation that you deserve.

When you're in a hit-and-run, these are the steps you should take:

Identify the Other Driver or Vehicle if Possible

The police may not be able to catch the driver who hit you but any information that you can provide will improve their chances. Any information about the vehicle itself will be useful. Even seeing a partial license plate number is a good idea. Write down this information and then call the police. Wait at the accident. Ask any nearby drivers or witnesses if they saw the crash and may be able to verify what happened.

Seek Medical Help

Even if you don't feel as though you've sustained any injuries, you should start by going to a hospital and getting yourself checked at a hospital. Not only will this help your overall health and well-being but it's also an important part of your injury claim. The doctor will evaluate you and document any injuries. This also is important if you sustain serous or long-lasting injuries that may affect your long-term health.

Recover Damages From the Insurance Company

In a typical accident, the person who is at fault and their insurance company will pay for the damages. However, if the police are not able to identify who was the other driver, then you'll have to go to your own insurance company in order to get compensated.

In general, uninsured motorist insurance is included with most cat insurance policies. This is designed to protect you if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or who can't be identified. This insurance will cover body bodily injury and any property damage coverage. It's a good idea to purchase this coverage since you never know when you'll need it.

As the victim of your crash, you should be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, any property damage, and any pain or suffering that you've experienced. Once you've been in an accident, you can speak to an attorney and start to navigate the claims process. While not everyone needs an attorney, going through this process can be challenging, especially if you've experienced significant damages. An experienced attorney has been through this process before. They will help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company to get the settlement you need. Make sure to contact an attorney promptly as there may be time limits on your claim.