Not only is being run off the road scary, but it can cause serious injuries to you, your passengers, and anyone else nearby. These accidents are particularly frustrating when you have done nothing wrong and are left figuring out what to do in the aftermath. In some cases, these incidents end up being hit-and-run crashes. In other cases, they are accidents by a negligent driver.
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If you are run off the road by another vehicle, the first thing you need to do is call the police immediately. This ensures that police are on the way.
If the driver who ran you off the road did not stop, give the dispatcher as much information you can about the vehicle that did it. Try to remember the vehicle’s make, model, color, and any identifying factors about the other driver. If you or anyone in your vehicle have been injured, make sure EMS is on the way to the scene. The police will investigate these instances as hit-and-run crashes.
If the other vehicle stays on the scene, treat this like any other crash. Make sure police and EMS are on the way and begin to document the scene as best you can. This includes using your smartphone or other camera to document all aspects of the scene, including any damage or injuries, the cause of the accident, skid marks, traffic and weather conditions, and more. If there were any eyewitnesses to the crash, make sure you get their names and contact information. Make sure you ask the police officer how to obtain an official copy of the accident report.
If you are injured, seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you do not feel any pain, please understand that the signs and symptoms of many crash injuries do not appear until hours or even days after a crash occurs.
Striking someone and fleeing the scene is a crime in Minnesota. The police will investigate these crashes. If there was property damage, someone was injured, or there was a fatality, a hit-and-run driver could be facing various criminal charges.
If this was not a hit-and-run incident, the at-fault driver could still be facing various traffic citations or criminal charges depending on the circumstances. If a driver was impaired at the time of the incident, they could be facing DUI charges. If they were distracted or failed to follow traffic laws, they could be facing traffic citations and fines.
If there was no contact with your vehicle and the vehicle that ran you off the road, the insurance company will likely consider it a single-car accident. You need to speak with your insurance company about your particular case. Some carriers may be lenient if you another person has admitted guilt in running you off the road or if you have eyewitnesses.
If you are struggling to secure the compensation you need, seek legal assistance from a qualified and experienced Mankato car accident attorney.