Witnessing a hit-and-run accident can be a shocking and overwhelming experience. As an accident lawyer, I’ve seen the devastating consequences of these incidents and know how crucial it is to act quickly and responsibly. 

Let’s walk through the key steps I recommend you follow.

Stay Calm and Ensure Safety

The first thing to remember is to stay calm. Hit-and-run accidents are chaotic, and emotions can run high, but keeping a level head is essential. 

Make sure you are in a safe position and out of harm’s way. If the accident involves a pedestrian or another vehicle, ensure you’re not in a dangerous spot where you could be hit by oncoming traffic.

Once you’ve ensured your safety, check if anyone involved in the accident needs immediate medical attention. Call 911 if necessary and report the accident to authorities.

Take Mental Notes and Gather Information

The more information you can gather, the better.

• Try to remember the make, model and color of the vehicle involved..

• Did you see any visible damage to it?

• Did you see details of the driver? Pay attention to the driver’s appearance and any passengers.

• If you can,take a photo or jot down the license plate number or at least part of it. Even partial information can be valuable for law enforcement.

• Note the direction in which the car fled. 

• If possible, use your phone to take photos or record a video of the scene, including the damage and any nearby witnesses who may also have information.

All these details can help investigators locate the vehicle and hold the responsible party accountable. 

Report the Incident to Authorities

After witnessing a hit-and-run, one of the most important steps is to report the incident to the police. Be ready to share the information you gathered, even if it feels incomplete. Reporting the accident promptly will ensure that the investigation can begin quickly.

In some cases, police may ask you to provide a formal witness statement, which could play a critical role in building the case. As an accident lawyer, I know how vital witness testimony can be in hit-and-run cases.

Avoid Pursuing the Driver

One instinct you might have is to chase down the fleeing driver, but this is not advisable. Pursuing a hit-and-run driver can put you and others at risk, especially if they are already driving recklessly. Leave the job of tracking down the driver to law enforcement professionals. Your safety should always be the top priority.

Offer Assistance to Victims

If there are victims of the hit-and-run accident, offer your assistance. Providing a statement, sharing information with them, and remaining at the scene can offer support during what is likely a traumatic experience. Let them know that you’ve reported the incident and that authorities are on the way.

Speak with an accident lawyer if you witness a hit-and-run.