A hit and run accident is an accident in which one of the vehicle operators leaves the scene prior to police arrival on a reportable accident, or the exchange of names and insurance information on a non-reportable accident. In the State of Wisconsin a reportable accident is any accident where one or more of the vehicles has $1,000.00 or more estimated damage or there is personal injury. For example, a two vehicle accident where the estimated damage to one vehicle is $750.00 and the other vehicle is $900.00 without injury does not need to be reported. But given that same accident, if either one or both of the vehicles has sustained more than $1,000.00 in estimated damage, or any passenger in any vehicle is injured, then a State accident report needs to be filed. When in doubt contact the local law enforcement agency.
Being aware following an accident will make all the difference. If you are in an accident, but especially a hit and run accident, be sure to get as much identifying information about the other vehicle and driver as possible. Things to look for are the license plate, make, model and color of the vehicle, the type and location of any damage to the vehicle and any other identifying features such as antennas, bumper stickers, extra lighting and anything that would make the vehicle recognizable. Also, try to find anyone who may have been in the area and can provide more information to the police once they respond. If you find other witnesses and they cannot or will not remain, try to solicit their name and phone number so that police can follow up with them.
Be suspicious of those drivers that do stop right away but want to give you money or ask for money in an effort to leave the police out of the incident. If they want to give you money, there is an underlying reason why they don’t want the police involved. If they are trying to get money from you on the scene, that may be an initial indication that they are trying to take advantage of you or even that the accident wasn’t “Accidental” at all.
The thing to keep in mind following any accident is make sure you assess to see if there are any injuries. If there are injuries, take the appropriate steps which will include contacting police and fire personnel; render first aid if you are qualified. Whether there are injuries or not, keep your wits about you and use your common sense. Having a cell phone along with you while you travel is clearly an asset. And again, when in doubt as to whether an accident is reportable or not, contact local law enforcement.
