What to Do Right After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Rhode Island

What should I do immediately if I’m involved in a hit-and-run incident? First, call the police and stay at the scene so you can provide a complete report. Then, gather any evidence you can, such as witness names, vehicle details, and nearby surveillance footage locations. 

Acting quickly gives your Rhode Island car accident lawyer the best chance to locate the other driver and help you recover compensation through your own policy or another liable party.

Record Everything You Can About the Other Driver

Immediately after being involved in a hit-and-run incident, even small pieces of information can make a difference. One detail might help police track down the vehicle or confirm your version of events.

These same details also support your insurance claim and give your legal advocate a stronger foundation for building your case.

How to Document the Scene Without Putting Yourself at Risk

Take photos of your vehicle from different angles, including any visible damage, immediately after being involved in a hit-and-run incident. If there are skid marks, debris, or broken glass, capture those as well. Make sure you stay on the shoulder or sidewalk. Never step into traffic to take pictures, even if the scene feels calm.

What Details to Write Down Before You Forget

Write down anything you remember or record a voice note about the other vehicle as soon as possible. Partial license plates, bumper stickers, dents, or even a dealership tag can help law enforcement identify the driver. Try to describe the person behind the wheel, including approximate age, gender, and clothing, if you had a clear view.

Your Rhode Island personal injury lawyer may use this information during the investigation and while negotiating with your insurer. The more details you provide, the stronger your case may be. Our firm often uses these firsthand accounts to challenge lowball offers or support claims that would otherwise lack evidence.

Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Incident, Call 911 and Stay at the Scene 

Leaving the scene after a crash, even if the other driver took off first, can create serious problems for your case. It may appear that you were involved in wrongdoing or that you failed to report the incident properly. That assumption can lead to disputes with insurers or delays in getting medical help.

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-1, you are legally required to stop and remain at the scene after an accident involving injury or death. If the crash only caused property damage, R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-2 still requires you to stay and report it to law enforcement. Leaving could lead to penalties, including fines or even jail time, so staying put protects both your rights and your claim.

What to Say When You Report the Crash to Law Enforcement

When you call the police, share basic facts without guessing or assuming fault. Be ready to provide the time of the crash, your location, and a brief description of what happened. 

If you saw the other vehicle, describe its color, direction of travel, and anything you remember about the driver or the moment of impact.

Why You Should Never Leave the Scene Yourself

Drivers are also legally required to stop after an accident that results in property damage or injury. Even if you are the only one left, you still have a duty to remain and speak with law enforcement. Staying put gives police a better chance to locate the fleeing driver and may help validate your claim.

What to Observe While You Wait for Help

Immediately after you are involved in a hit-and-run incident, take a deep breath and look around as safely as possible. Try to notice the make, model, and color of the other vehicle, along with which direction it went. If the driver yelled anything or made gestures before speeding away, that information can help support your report.

Seek Medical Attention and Track All Symptoms

Even if you feel okay after the crash, it is still essential to consult a medical professional for a thorough evaluation. Some injuries take hours or even days to appear, especially after a high-stress event like a hit-and-run. 

Medical records can show that you acted quickly and took your injuries seriously. If you wait too long, insurers may argue that the crash did not cause your injuries or that they were not serious enough to require treatment. Maintaining a clear timeline of your doctor visits, diagnoses, and prescribed treatments can significantly impact how your claim is handled.

After your initial visit, continue to record any changes in your symptoms or feelings. Include details like pain levels, sleep issues, dizziness, or missed work due to discomfort. Even small symptoms can add up over time and help show how the crash affected your day-to-day life.

Consider Whether Distracted Driving Played a Role in the Hit-and-Run

Many hit-and-run crashes begin with a moment of distraction. The driver looks away, makes a sudden mistake, and then panics, choosing to flee instead of stopping. If you saw the other driver acting erratically before the crash, you may have witnessed one of the behaviors commonly linked to distracted driving in Rhode Island under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-22-30, such as:

• Texting while driving
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio
• Using GPS without audio
• Grooming or applying makeup
• Talking on the phone
• Reaching into the back seat

Your observations can play a powerful role in helping law enforcement identify the driver. If you mention what they were doing before the impact, that detail may support your version of events. Your legal representative can use this information to build a more powerful case on your behalf.

Talk to a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Rhode Island Who Knows What to Do

You may feel helpless after a hit-and-run incident, but you do not have to figure it out alone. Your hit-and-run accident attorney in Rhode Island with Gemma Law will walk you through your next steps, investigate the crash, and pursue every avenue for recovery, even if the other driver is never identified. Fill out our contact form today to get the answers you need from a team that has your back.