What to Do After a Hit-And-Run in Connecticut

Do’s

Here is a list of steps to take after a hit-and-run accident:

• Stop at the scene. According to Connecticut law, you must stop at the scene of an accident that causes physical injury, death, or property damage.
• Seek assistance. If needed, you must render assistance to drivers or passengers with injuries. This means calling 911 if you or others are hurt.
• Exchange information. Finally, you must also exchange contact information with the other party, including any witnesses or police officers, providing them with your name, address, driver’s license number, and registration number.
• File a report. Even if the other driver leaves the scene, it’s crucial to file a police report as soon as possible. This report should include all details you can recall about the accident, the other vehicle, and identifying information about the other driver or the vehicle that fled.

Recovering damages after a car accident in Connecticut involves several steps, including notifying your and the at-fault driver’s insurance company, filing a police report, and documenting the accident as best you can. If you are able to locate the at-fault driver, you should file a plan under your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you have it. You can also use your collision coverage to pay for your vehicle repairs.

Generally, auto insurance rates increase after a hit-and-run accident. Connecticut is an at-fault state, which means the driver who causes an accident is responsible for any damage and injury expenses. It’s important to note that your insurance premium will increase more if you are the driver who caused an accident compared to if you are the victim.

Connecticut Crash Data Repository data reports a total number of 336,282 vehicle crashes over the past three years.¹ Out of this total, here is the number of hit-and-runs resulting in fatalities:

State legislation in Connecticut requires drivers to stop at the scene of an accident and file a police report, as well as gather necessary information from witnesses and other parties involved.² Here is a list of details to obtain:

1. The other party’s:
   • Name, address, and contact information
   • Vehicle make, model, year, and color, as well as the license plate number
   • Insurance company name and policy number
2. Location and circumstances of the accident
3. Photos of any resulting injuries or property damage
4. Names and contact information of any witnesses

If you fail to gather the above information or flee the scene altogether, you will face possible imprisonment, fines, and license suspension. The more severe the injuries and damage caused, the more severe your penalties will be.

Penalties

What happens if you are found guilty of a hit-and-run? You’ll face various penalties for evading responsibility for the resulting damages or injuries.³

After a hit-and-run in Connecticut, it is crucial to stop at the scene and call necessary personnel, especially if there is injury, damage, or death. First, you should help individuals needing medical attention and contact emergency services. Then, you should make sure to exchange your and your vehicle’s details with everyone involved and take pictures of the scene and any evidence. Avoid chasing a fleeing driver, and remember to file a police report and contact your insurance company, regardless of fault.