In the first hours after a crash, your priorities should be safety, documentation, and proper reporting.
- Get medical care immediately. Some injury symptoms don’t show up right away.
- Call the police and request a report (even if you think the damage is minor). A report number is often essential for insurers and follow-up investigation.
- Write down details while they’re fresh: the vehicle description, color, height/shape, direction of travel, approximate time, and where you were located (street/landmark area).
- Preserve what you can from the scene: photos of injuries, vehicle damage, debris, and road conditions.
- Don’t speak to the other party’s insurance without guidance. Recorded statements can be used to narrow or deny claims.
If you’re wondering whether you can “handle it yourself,” the reality is that hit-and-run cases often hinge on evidence that disappears quickly—particularly video.


