While we hope no one has to experience this, hit and run accidents do occur and it’s important to know what to do if you’re ever involved in this type of accident.

THE DEFINITION OF A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT
There are two primary types of hit and runs – the first in which an unattended vehicle (in a parking lot for example) is hit by another car and the second in which a vehicle is occupied when it is hit; in both cases the assailant knowingly flees the scene without leaving their information.

WHAT TO DO IN A HIT AND RUN
If you’re the victim of a hit and run in which you are in your car when the event happens, try to get a look at the other driver and memorize their license plate if you can see it. Do not follow the other driver or flee the scene yourself. If you’re in a lane of traffic when it occurs, pull off the road somewhere nearby to assess the situation.

IS THERE HIT AND RUN INSURANCE?
It’s not called hit and run insurance per se, but there is uninsured motorist coverage, which typically covers both vehicle damage and bodily injury for Arizona insurance holders. You’ll need to contact your current insurance company for information about hit and run accidents and what your policy covers specifically. If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, it’s a good idea to add it to your plan, but again you should get specifics from your insurer about what it does and doesn’t cover when it comes to hit and runs.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A HIT AND RUN

• Write down a description of the other driver (approximate age, race, sex, weight, clothing, etc.); a description of the type of car they were driving (make, model, approximate year, color, etc.); and any portion of the license plate number that you can remember.


• If there are people around, try to get witnesses and their contact information not only for your hit and run report, but also in case you need their testimony at a later date.


• Call the police and make sure you file a hit and run report, like we just mentioned. In the midst of the situation, you may think there’s no point in doing this, but it could help you later down the line.


• Take photos of your car and the scene. Definitely make sure you get close-up shots of your vehicle damage, along with photos that capture a broader picture of your car and the scene.


• See if there are any nearby security or traffic cameras in the area.


• Other things to write down: the time and date of the hit and run accident, the location of the accident, damage to your car (along with taking photos), and notes about any physical injuries you may have obtained.


• Contact your insurance company to report the crime and, if applicable, get the claims process started. See the hit and run insurance section above.

Camelback Collision Center, the official body shop of Camelback Ford, is here to help you get your vehicle back in shape after an accident. Camelback Collision works with all insurance providers, handling the paperwork and necessary communications related to repair work on your behalf.