You may not remember everything right away—shock is common. But there are practical steps that can make the difference between a claim that stalls and one that moves.
1) Get a medical record trail started
Even if injuries feel “manageable,” urgent care, ER evaluation, or follow-up visits help create an objective timeline. In New York, insurers often scrutinize gaps.
2) Report accurately and keep proof of your report
If police respond, save the report information. If you weren’t able to get details at the scene, document what you do have—location, approximate time, vehicle description, and direction of travel.
3) Identify likely camera locations near where people actually stop
In Batavia, many hit-and-runs occur around places where vehicles park briefly—retail lots, service entrances, and busy intersections. Ask whoever runs the property about camera retention (some systems overwrite quickly). A quick request can preserve footage that otherwise vanishes.
4) Write down witness details before you lose them
If someone helped you, took photos, or called 911, get their name and contact information while it’s fresh. A witness statement days later is often less detailed than one captured early.
5) Preserve anything you can photograph today
Damage to your vehicle, any debris you noticed, traffic control signs/lights, and visible injuries—photos help connect the crash to later medical findings.