No matter how minor the car accident is, it is likely an unwanted intrusion upon your day. However, even the simplest fender-bender can become a major thorn in your side if the other driver involved in the accident elects to speed away from the scene rather than deal with the crash.
Hit and run accidents are very stressful for multiple reasons. However, the good news is that much of the rigmarole associated with a hit and run accident is similar to that of regular accidents where both drivers remain at the scene. According to State Farm, you should stay at the scene of the crash and interview any eyewitnesses present.
Why should I stay?
The biggest reason is that driving off after the culprit may confuse the eyewitnesses. If two cars get into an accident and both drive off, the eyewitnesses will report this and it can make you look bad.
Instead, the better practice is to stay put and document the accident as well as possible. Of course, if anybody in the area has sustained an injury as a result of the crash, you should call 911. Otherwise, call the police non-emergency number in order to file a police report.
How can the eyewitnesses help?
Most people carry some variety of smartphones. Smartphones have cameras. This means that if an eyewitness realized they were viewing a hit and run accident, they may have taken a picture or video of the event. If you can get a picture or video of the culprit to the police, it is likely that the police will be able to find the culprit.