WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT

Posted on Feb 17, 2022. By VALLEY DRIVING SCHOOL 

Being involved in any accident can be stressful and overwhelming, and maybe even more so when you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident. While there are many things to think about and handle after a hit and run accident, first and foremost being your physical and mental well-being, it’s also important to submit an insurance claim.

Hopefully you won’t find yourself having to need this information but we’re going to outline the steps you need to take, so if you do, it’s close at hand!

WHAT IS A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT?

Did you know that there are multiple definitions of a hit and run? The comprehensive definition includes the following:

• A vehicle collides with you, either while driving, cycling, or when you’re a pedestrian, but the driver flees the scene before you can get their name, driver’s licence, and vehicle plate.
• You return to your vehicle after leaving it unattended to see that it has been hit by another vehicle. There is no note with contact information or vehicle details.

HOW TO MAKE A HIT AND RUN INSURANCE CLAIM

Try to identify the other vehicle and the person responsible. Once it is safe to do so, call the police immediately if you notice the hit and run motorist leaving the scene. You will need to provide a description of the vehicle and the driver, the licence plate number, and the direction the vehicle is travelling to the police, if you can. Try and gather as much information as you can immediately following the accident.

File a police report if necessary. If there is a suspect involved in your hit and run, or if you were injured in the hit and run, you will need to file a police report. We know there’s a lot going on during this entire process, but if you can, try to make the report within 24 hours.

Your next step is reporting the claim to ICBC. Do this as soon as you are able to do so. Make sure you report the claim no later than six months after the incident. If you are submitting a claim for a hit and run, and you are a registered owner or principal driver of a personal vehicle, claims can be submitted to ICBC through their website. If you are a pedestrian, cyclist, or passenger, ICBC asks that you call them directly. You should also call them if you are reporting property damage or if you are driving a commercial vehicle. If you are a witness and were not actually involved in the accident, you can fill out a Witness Information Form online or call the ICBC tip line at 604-661-6844.

YOUR WELL-BEING (AND YOUR VEHICLE’S)

Think about how the accident may have impacted you, and remember to take care of yourself. Make sure you get the treatment you need. If you have injuries, make sure you learn more about the treatment and recovery process.  ICBC provides all kinds of support and assistance when it comes to being injured. Some injuries can take time to show up, so make sure you take time to get the assessments you need to make sure your body is okay after the accident, especially if you are physically injured after the accident.

After you’ve made sure your mental and physical well-being have been assessed, you should also get your vehicle looked after, if it was involved in the accident. An ICBC estimator or VALET shop representative will need to examine your vehicle damage with you. Your adjuster will tell you if you can go directly to a c.a.r. shop VALET facility for a vehicle estimate and repairs, or if you need to meet at a claim centre. No matter what you do, do not try to repair or clean the damaged area of your vehicle prior to your appointment – you may erase any evidence! You may also need to make a statement or submit a sworn affidavit. An estimator or shop representative will let you know if this is required. Once the damage estimate has been approved by ICBC, now you can take the next step of getting your vehicle fixed! You can have your vehicle repaired at the repair facility of your choice.

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If you are involved in a hit and run accident, or witness one, remember that the police and ICBC are there to help and want to see you back on your feet as soon as possible! We know that the steps you need to take to make sure your hit and run claims are handled properly can be a lot, but knowing before it happens will save you time and frustration.