Hit-and-Run Incidents: What to Do and How to Protect Yourself in the Future

Hit-and-run incidents can be some of the most devastating accidents on the road. Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can not only leave you feeling scared, violated, and overwhelmed, but it can also cause serious physical injuries or worse. If you are ever unfortunate enough to find yourself in this situation, there are several things that you must do.

Important Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Remain Calm

The first step is always to stay calm and document as much information as possible about the other driver, including their license plate number and any identifying characteristics like the color of their car or clothing. It’s also important to take note of where the accident occurred, the time it happened, and any witnesses who may have seen the incident. If you are able to, take photos of the scene as well.

Call the Police

Next, call the police and report the incident immediately. Even if you don’t think that any physical damage was done to your vehicle or body, this is still an important step in trying to recover from a hit-and-run. The police can help investigate the incident and provide protection if needed.

Seek Medical Attention

It’s also important to seek medical attention, even if it seems minor at first. Many injuries resulting from a hit-and-run are not immediately apparent but can worsen over time, so it’s best to be safe rather than sorry. Additionally, document any costs or losses incurred due to the incident, including medical bills and any repairs that need to be done on your car.

Evaluate Your Insurance Coverage

Finally, it’s essential to protect yourself in the future by purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. This type of coverage will help cover the costs of damages if you are ever involved in another hit-and-run incident. It can also be beneficial to make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings when driving and to avoid any situations that may put you at risk for a hit-and-run accident.

Find a Trusted Collision Center for Repairs

Once you have taken care of the steps above, it is important to find a reliable collision center for any repairs that may need to be done on your car. At our trusted repair shop, certified technicians will be able to assess the damage and make sure that all necessary repairs are made correctly and in a timely manner. This can help ensure that your car is as safe and reliable as possible before you get back on the road.

When searching for Morgantown, WV collision repair, trust Freedom Collision Center with all your repair needs!


Author: Freedom Collision Center


Text for Author here

Recent Posts

Parts Availability in Auto Repair: Why It Happens and How to Plan Ahead

May 13, 2026
Learn why parts availability can affect collision repair timelines and how Freedom Collision Center helps you plan ahead after an accident.

Collision Repair Trends + How Freedom Collision Center Helps You Move Forward

March 25, 2026
Learn what is affecting collision repair timelines, parts, and total-loss decisions, and how Freedom Collision Center helps Morgantown drivers.

Avoiding Costly Deer Collisions

February 3, 2026
With the autumn season upon us, it means that many deer will be finding their way onto highways. Colliding with a deer can cause severe collision damage, so it is important to take defensive driving measures to reduce your collision risks. Deer season in West Virginia will generally run from October through December, with a dramatic increase in deer population movement. While the frequency of deer-related accidents is on the decline, these accidents are more severe due to the advanced technologies use in modern vehicles that need to be repaired after a collision . In West Virginia in 2018, drivers had a 1 in 46 chance of hitting a deer . Many deer collisions involve front-end damage which can elevate repair costs when you must replace the bumpers, front headlamps, windshield, and advanced safety technology located in this area. Tips for Driving Defensively to Prevent Collisions with Deer At Freedom Collision Center, we have compiled the top tips we have for helping you drive defensively to prevent collisions with deer . These tips include: Pay attention- While this may seem to be a no-brainer, it is important to pay attention and stay alert while driving. Being alert will help you notice deer crossing signs and will also allow you to react quickly if you see a deer. Be careful from dusk to dawn- Deer are more active during these hours, so it is important to be extra careful while driving during these times. Reduce speed- If you see a deer or other wildlife on the side of the road, be sure to slow down to avoid hitting them. They move in an unpredictable manner, so caution is key. Avoid swerving- While your first reaction to a deer coming into the path of your car is to swerve, you should brake. Swerving can lead to you losing control of the vehicle or hitting another car or object. Be sure to brake quickly and safely. If there is one, there is more. – This is the general rule of thumb when seeing a deer. Since they travel together, if you see one deer crossing the road, you’re likely to see more following behind. Be sure to stay alert and allow for the rest of the group to cross. We can’t control wildlife and when they venture onto the road, but we can control how we react. Follow these tips for a safer drive during deer season in West Virginia. Collision Repair Services Unfortunately, even with the right preventative measures, you may still end up colliding with a deer this season . If you need collision repair , the expert technicians at Freedom Collision Center are highly trained and equipped with top of line tools to get the job done! Contact us today to learn more!