What to Do If Your Car Is Hit by Someone Else?
2 Answers
If the other party does not flee, you can negotiate a settlement or report it to the traffic police for resolution. If the other party flees, you should promptly call the police. Below is relevant information about hit-and-run incidents. 1. Definition: It refers to the act of fleeing the scene after a traffic accident to evade legal consequences. 2. Types: One type involves both the person and the vehicle fleeing the accident scene, while the other involves abandoning the vehicle at the scene with the person fleeing. 3. Procedure: First, coordinate with the traffic police to obtain a written accident liability determination to secure evidence. If you have insurance, call your insurance company to report the incident. If the other party refuses to compensate, contact your insurance company directly to pursue subrogation.
If my car is hit by someone else, as an experienced driver with many years behind the wheel, the first thing I should do is pull over to a safe area and turn on the hazard lights to prevent secondary accidents. Then quickly get out of the car to check if I or any passengers are injured—even minor injuries deserve attention, as safety is always the top priority. Next, calmly communicate with the other party without rushing to argue about fault. Record their full name, contact number, driver's license number, and insurance details, especially the policy number. Photos are essential: take pictures of the damage from all angles, the road conditions, the other party's license plate, and even traffic signals if at an intersection. If the accident is severe or involves injuries, call the police immediately without hesitation. Then promptly contact my own insurance company to report the incident—they usually guide the next steps in the claims process. Afterwards, I prefer to take the car to a trusted repair shop for a thorough inspection of any structural issues, keeping all conversation records and receipts to prevent disputes. In short, stay calm and don’t panic; handling things systematically reduces trouble and stress.
