Based on a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), 1564 drivers, 202 cyclists, and 1582 pedestrians they have died from hit-and-run car accidents in 2020. Hit-and-run is one of the most common types of road accidents. Hit-and-run refers to the event in which someone hits a person, vehicle, animal, or someone’s personal property and runs away from the crime scene. Because the culprit doesn’t look back, leave a note, or contact the local authorities, hit-and-run cases are much more complicated than standard road accidents.

According to US law, leaving the scene of a crime that has caused injury to a person is a felony. The culprit can be charged with a potential fine of $20,000 to $50,000 and jail time. So, if you have been an accident victim, here are six pieces of evidence you should have before you go to a lawyer. A hit-and-run car accident attorney knows the value of these pieces of evidence and how to use them to win your case.

Security Footage and Photographs

When filing a claim for a hit-and-run car accident, photographs and videos are a person’s best friend and the most crucial piece of evidence. After getting back on your feet, take pictures of the damaged vehicle, debris, skid marks, weather, and any bodily injuries. If you cannot do it yourself, ask someone else to help you. But in either case, never skip this part, as the pictures and videos are the only proof you have of the accident.

If a dash cam is installed in your car, retrieve the footage to see what happened. You can also request the property owners on the premises to provide access to the security footage.

Witness Testimony

In some hit-and-run cases, pedestrians and other drivers will have witnessed the events leading up to the accident. Make sure to record their phone numbers, addresses, and names, and ask them if they will be comfortable giving a statement in your favour. You can also request a family member to record a statement then and there using a mobile phone. Having a credible witness to back your statement will play an integral role in convincing the judge to rule in your favor.

What If the Hit-and-Run Took Place in the Middle of Nowhere?

In such cases, a well-trained professional like a forensic expert is hired to use crucial evidence and technology to determine the party at fault for the hit-and-run case. If you have no witness, a testimony from the expert witness can improve your chances of getting the rightful claim.

Medical Documentation

In case you or someone else was injured in the hit-and-run accident, preserve copies of all medical documents, including the diagnostic reports and healthcare bills. The idea here is to prove that you were hurt and to file a claim to recover the cost of the medical treatments that you received because of the accident.

Physical Evidence

Physical evidence includes anything from bloody, ripped, or torn clothing to a broken phone, watch, or vehicle pieces. Collect all damaged items and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Physical evidence is the only solid proof you have and will help your lawyer support your claim.

Official Records

If you have filed a police report, getting a copy will benefit your case significantly. The official report will contain important information about the officer’s perspective of the case. While the report might not always be 100% in your favor, the officer’s assessment can be very persuasive for your case.

Sketch of the Scene

Getting your claim for a hit-and-run accident isn’t a one-day job. In order to ensure that you don’t forget the details, make a sketch of the accident. The drawing should include the following:

Your position
Position of the culprit
Point of collision
Width of the street
Traffic lights and other signs
Lane direction
Crossings or trees

Final Thoughts

As the plaintiff, it is important to take responsibility to prove the negligence in your personal injury case. Proving negligence without evidence is impossible. So, act wisely and collect these essential evidence pieces to obtain fair compensation for your losses.