Hit and Run Crashes: What You Should Know
A hit and run can be one of the most frustrating experiences for a driver. Whether the driver who causes a collision fails to stop, or flees the scene of a crash without providing their information, a hit and run is a serious offence.
What is a Hit and Run?
A hit and run is when an unidentified driver flees the scene after damaging a vehicle/property, and/or injures a pedestrian. When filing a hit and run claim, a judge or jury decides whether or not you made “all reasonable efforts” to confirm the identity of the unknown driver and owner – that is if ICBC decides that you did not take these measures. If you are involved in a hit and run, below are some of the steps you should take to help ensure you meet the requirements:
(Note: you should seek legal advice immediately in the case of a hit and run accident).
Steps To Making a Hit and Run Claim
Contact the police immediately and identify the vehicle/driver if possible
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Try your best to identify the other vehicle and if possible, the other driver. If you can, jot down the vehicle’s license plate number – this will assist authorities with the investigation. The more information you can collect the better such as the colour, make and model of the vehicle, and what direction the car was heading.
If you Have Been Injured, Seek Medical Attention Immediately
- If you have been injured, seek a medical professional right away to get checked out.
Observe and Photograph the scene of the Crash
- Look around the scene for any skid marks or any debris left behind from the vehicle that caused the crash. Take measurements of any skid marks on the pavement and take clear photographs of the crash location — as these details can be used as evidence. Only collect any evidence if police have not done so – or contact your lawyer to find out if an accident reconstruction engineer should be assigned.
Report the Claim to ICBC
- You should report a claim to ICBC as soon as possible – even though you do have up to 6 months to claim a report. It’s important to note that you cannot report a claim online and must report via ICBC Dial-A-Claim
Speak to Businesses and Residents in the Area Surrounding the Crash
- Speak with any residences or businesses that are close to the scene of the hit and run crash that may have witnessed the incident and in turn may be able to note the make and model or even the colour of the vehicle, which can assist the investigation.
Spread the Word to Locate Witnesses
- Near the scene of the crash, put up notices clearly outlining the date and time of the incident, along with any other details that would be useful for potential witnesses. Also submit ads to online community classifieds, forums and newspapers and the best way for them to contact you.
Follow Up with Police
- Follow up with police on a regular basis for the latest details on the investigation and take notes along the way.
How Much Am I Covered?
- Residents in British Columbia are covered for up to $200,000 for any injuries, property damage or death resulting from a hit and run.
- Non BC residents are also covered – however, depending on where they live limitations may vary.
What Do I have to Pay?
- For hit and run damage to your vehicle or property, ICBC requires drivers pay a $750 deductible, or your ICBC collision deductible, whichever is less.
- If you suffer from an injury resulting in a hit and run crash, there is no ICBC deductible and your insurance premium will not be affected.
Contact An Experienced, Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer
Tim Louis and his compassionate and talented legal team can give you the solid, trusted advice you need and can deal with ICBC on your behalf. If you or your loved one has been injured in a hit and run motor vehicle collision in Metro Vancouver and would like to consult with our legal team who will do everything they possibly can to get you the personal injury settlement you deserve, contact us today for a free consultation at 604-732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com
sources:
https://www.icbc.com/claims/repair-replace/Pages/Hit-and-run.aspx
