- 1). Make sure everyone involved is in a safe, well-lighted and populated area. If possible, move everyone away from the road. If any victims are injured, do not move them. Instead, keep them warm, covered and comfortable until help arrive. Use road flares or flashlights to light the area where the accident occurred so other drivers will see you.
- 2). Contact emergency services immediately. In most areas, you can dial 9-1-1 from your cell phone or a pay phone to solicit help. If you are in an area without 9-1-1 service, use a local emergency number or call information services (4-1-1) for help. Tell the dispatcher that there has been a hit-and-run accident and provide the name of the street, the cross street and any major landmarks close to your location. If you don't know the name of the street, describe the area to the dispatcher as well as you can.
- 3). Immediately gather as much information as you can. Do not move anything or pick anything up. Instead, write down information--such as license plate numbers and the make and model of the vehicles involved--and take photographs of the scene and the surrounding area.
- 4). Give your report of the accident to the responding officer. Provide her with as much information as you can about the accident. Complete the report as well as you can while the incident is fresh in your mind. Request a copy when you are finished. You can amend the police report later if necessary.
- 5). Write down the full names, telephone numbers and addresses of any witnesses, especially if you are the sole victim of the hit-and-run accident. If there are no available witnesses, try drawing up fliers stating the date and time of the accident and posting them on telephone poles, street signs and trees near the scene. Include your telephone number so potential witnesses can reach you if they have information.
- 6). Report the accident to your insurance company within 24 hours, even if you do not have comprehensive insurance coverage. Submit a copy of the police report and additional documents or photographs.
- 7). Continue working with law enforcement to locate the hit-and-run driver. If you find new witnesses, give their information to the police immediately. Provide police with copies of any photographs or notes you took at the scene of the accident.
- 8). Consider filing claims against the driver if law enforcement tracks him down. You can file an insurance claim with the driver's insurance company, a civil lawsuit and possibly a criminal complaint, depending on the rules of your jurisdiction. Contact the police precinct that took your report or consult an attorney for information.
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