A hit and run accident in Hawaii leaves victims frightened, frustrated and seeking answers. Not only are you left to deal with injuries and vehicle damage, but the driver who struck you callously fled the scene without taking responsibility. Here’s what you need to know about handling these situations in Hawaii and getting the help you need.
Report the Accident
The first thing you will want to do is report the hit and run accident to the police. Under Hawaii law, it is considered a crime for the driver to leave the scene of an accident without providing their identification and license plate number. It is a violation of Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-14.
Call 911 or the Honolulu Police Department and state that you’ve been involved in a hit and run. Provide the location, time, and any details you can about the fleeing vehicle. Be sure to also state if anyone was injured. The police will send an officer to take your statement and prepare an official report.
Cooperate Fully with the Investigation
In order to find the hit and run driver, the police will need as many details as possible. Provide them with:
- The vehicle make, model, color and any other identifiable features
- Which direction the vehicle fled
- Any license plate details you may have noted (even partial plates will help)
- A description of the driver if possible
The police may canvass the area looking for witnesses or security camera footage that captured the accident. Fully cooperate with the investigation and provide any helpful information you can recall. This will increase the chances of identifying the at-fault driver.
Seek Any Necessary Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. The adrenaline in your system may mask serious injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. These issues can worsen if they are left untreated.
Visit an urgent care center, ER, or your primary doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Be sure to inform them it was a hit and run so they can document it in your records. Get copies of all medical reports to support an insurance or legal claim.
Report Your Claim to Your Insurance Provider
Notify your auto insurance provider about the hit and run accident as soon as you can. Provide them with your statement, the police report, and any evidence that proves it was a hit and run. Ask what compensation you’re entitled to for repairs and medical bills under your policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage is especially important, as it protects you in hit and run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. If you have this coverage, your insurer should handle the claim just as if you were struck by an insured driver.
Consult a Hit and Run Attorney
For help getting full and fair compensation, consider consulting an attorney who specializes in hit and run accidents. They can deal with the insurance claim process for you and make sure you receive all benefits entitled under the policy.
If the at-fault driver is eventually identified, an attorney can pursue additional compensation through that driver’s insurance. They may also explore whether any other liable parties – like a bar or restaurant that over-served the driver – can be held responsible.
An experienced Hawaii hit and run lawyer knows how to build the strongest case possible to cover all your losses. This includes property damage, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and more. They work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront or out of pocket.
Don’t Suffer Alone After a Hit and Run
Being left helpless after a hit and run accident can be infuriating. The driver who struck you may never take responsibility or face consequences. However, by promptly reporting the accident, cooperating with police, seeking medical treatment, and contacting insurance and an attorney, you can take control.
The attorney team at Daniel T. Pagliarini has helped many Hawaii hit and run victims recover damages and seek justice. If you were injured by a fleeing driver, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll carefully review your case and help you understand all your legal options. You don’t have to suffer this ordeal alone – let us handle the claim process while you focus on healing.
Visit us at 700 Bishop St, Ste 2100, Honolulu, HI, 96813.
Or call us today for a free consultation on (808) 745-1592.