A Guide to Hit-and-Run Accidents in Toronto

Hit-and-run accidents occur in Toronto every single day. Anyone can become a victim of a hit-and-run accident when someone else strikes their moving or parked vehicle or hits them while they are on foot or on a bike and flee the scene without stopping and providing any information about themselves.

In Toronto and all over Ontario, all motorists are legally required to stop when they are involved in an accident and provide their name and identifying information. Unfortunately, many drivers in Toronto disobey the law.

When someone flees the scene of a car accident, victims need to understand what to do in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident to protect their right to compensation.

Types of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Toronto

There are different situations in which a driver may flee the scene of a car accident. These include:

• Hitting a parked vehicle. A car hits a parked vehicle and leaves without leaving their contact information or waiting for the owner of the damaged vehicle.
• Hitting a moving vehicle. A car hits another moving vehicle but does not stop to check on the injuries or exchange contact information with the driver of the vehicle.
• Hitting a pedestrian or bicyclist. A vehicle hits a pedestrian or bicyclist and fails to stop without providing assistance and information.

What to Do After Being Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Take the following steps if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident in Toronto:

1. Do not try to chase the fleeing motorist. Many people who become victims of a hit-and-run have an impulse to go after the driver who attempts to flee the scene. However, it is not a good idea to go after the fleeing motorist because a high-speed chase could result in devastating consequences.
2. Call the police. It is vital to call the police if the other driver fled the scene of the crash. The police will investigate the scene, interview witnesses, and prepare a report. The police investigation might help identify or find the driver who fled the scene.
3. Seek medical attention. Check if you or your passengers were injured in the hit-and-run accident. If anyone is visibly hurt, call 911 and request an ambulance. Receiving medical care is vital even you feel fine. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
4. Collect as much evidence as possible. Finding a motorist who fled the scene of a hit-and-run accident can be difficult or impossible, depending on the amount of evidence you have collected at the scene of the crash. That is why you need to collect any evidence at the scene of the crash, including photos of vehicle damage, traffic cameras nearby, and witness statements, among others.
5. Write down everything you remember. The strength of your car accident claim after a hit-and-run accident depends greatly on your ability to remember the make, model, color, and any unique identifying features of the vehicle that fled the scene. Write down everything you can remember while the image of the fleeing vehicle is still fresh in your mind.
6. Notify the insurance company. It is critical to report your hit-and-run accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Failure to notify the insurer in a timely manner could result in the loss or reduction in compensation.
7. Contact a personal injury lawyer. Consider speaking with a lawyer if you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Toronto. A skilled lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify the driver who fled the scene of the collision and help you navigate the legal process to obtain fair compensation on your behalf. Even if you are unable to identify the fleeing driver, you may still have recourse, either through your own insurance company or the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund.

Contact a Toronto Car Accident Lawyer at Ristich Law

At Ristich Law, our experienced car accident lawyers understand how overwhelming and frustrating it can be to become a victim of a hit-and-run accident. We are prepared to use our extensive experience and resources to help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and fight for the compensation you need. Get a free case evaluation by calling (416) 204-0450 or fill out this contact form.