It’s common knowledge that you need to get the other driver’s information when you’re in a car accident. You might not always be able to do this, however, because of injury or lack of cooperation from the other party. In Idaho, a driver who engages in a hit-and-run faces a felony charge with a potential punishment of up to five years in jail, up to a $5,000 fine and up to one year of a license suspension.
Safety first
Sometimes, a driver might not immediately speed away, but they refuse to give you their contact details and/or insurance information. Staying calm can help prevent a fight, which would only make the situation worse. You may find that it’s best to return to your car, keep the doors and windows locked, and take a photo of their license plate. Recording them is an option, but be aware that they might attempt to damage your phone and speed off.
Call the police
Drivers must report car accidents to the police so that law enforcement can investigate the scene. This police report supports a potential lawsuit that you may raise. Even if the other driver was friendly and exchanged information with you, it’s important to report the accident. Use the local police department number, unless there is a serious injury or damage. The emergency line (911) is only for life-threatening situations.
Take photos and videos
You might want to take photos and videos of the scene to build a stronger case. Take photos of damage to the vehicles, a broad view of the vehicles, any debris or tire marks and the weather conditions. This helps insurance companies and investigators piece together what happened and who’s at fault. Even if you think that the accident is your fault, you might not have all of the blame.
When you can’t get the other driver’s info, you just stay calm and follow the rest of the steps that you need to take in an accident. Law enforcement might be able to find the driver or catch them at the scene to obtain their information.