How to Handle a Hit and Run

July 13, 2023

How to Handle a Hit and Run

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a distressing and frustrating experience. When a driver flees the scene without providing their information, it can leave you feeling helpless and unsure of how to proceed. However, it's crucial to know the steps you can take to handle a hit-and-run situation effectively. So, we'll guide you through the necessary actions to take if you find yourself in a hit-and-run accident.

Safely Gather Information on the Hit and Run

The priority after a hit-and-run incident is to safely gather information. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Then, try to gather as much information as possible about the other vehicle involved in the accident. Take note of the make, model, color, and license plate number if you can catch it.

If you have a dashcam installed, read out the other vehicle’s license plate so it’s audibly recorded. This means you don’t have to worry about forgetting a license plate number or relying on low-resolution footage. Additionally, if there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information as their statements can be valuable for insurance claims or police reports.

Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle. Capture the positions of the vehicles involved and any debris on the road. This documentation will serve as evidence of the hit and run and can aid in the investigation and insurance claim process. Additionally, if there were any surveillance cameras nearby, inform the police, as their footage might have captured the incident.

Notify Your Insurer and Law Enforcement

Next, it’s imperative that you immediately contact the police to report the hit-and-run incident. Provide them with all the details you gathered, including the description of the other vehicle and any witness statements. The police will create an official report of the accident, which will be important for insurance purposes and potential legal action.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the hit and run. Provide them with all the details of the incident, including the police report and any evidence you collected. They will guide you through the claims process and help assess the damage to your vehicle. Depending on your policy and the circumstances, your insurance company may cover your repair costs.

Choose a Reputable Collision Center

Following a hit-and-run, choose a reputable collision center that specializes in auto body repairs. Look for a collision center with a strong track record of quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. By selecting a reputable collision center that excels in these areas, you can ensure that your vehicle and its collision repairs are in capable hands.

1. Expertise and Experience

Ensure that the collision center has skilled, experienced technicians who can handle a wide range of repairs, including those resulting from hit-and-run accidents. Look for certifications and accreditations that validate their expertise, such as I-CAR Gold certification.

2. Range of Services

Confirm that the collision center offers comprehensive repair services, including bodywork, frame alignment, dent removal, and paint refinishing. They should have the necessary equipment and offer advanced techniques to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

3. Insurance Claims Assistance

Find a collision center that can assist you with navigating the insurance claims process. They should have experience working with insurance companies and conversely be able to provide accurate repair estimates and documentation to support your claim.

4. Warranty and Customer Satisfaction

Ask about the warranties provided by the collision center for their repairs. A reputable center will stand behind their work and offer warranties that give you peace of mind. Additionally, read reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge their satisfaction levels and overall experience with the collision center.

5. Timeliness and Communication

Communication is key during the repair process. Choose a collision center that keeps you informed about the progress of your repairs, provides realistic timelines, and promptly addresses any concerns or questions you may have.

We Can Handle any Hit and Run Repair

While experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be disheartening, stay calm and take the appropriate steps. By ensuring your safety, gathering information, notifying the authorities, documenting the scene, and contacting your insurance company, you increase the chances of a successful resolution to the hit-and-run incident. Stay proactive and rely on the support of the authorities and your insurance company to navigate through the aftermath of a hit and run, ultimately helping you move forward and restore your peace of mind.

Remember, assistance from a professional auto body shop like Morrow Collision Center can help assess and repair damage to your vehicle. We enjoy restoring your vehicle's appearance and functionality, providing you with the necessary support following a hit-and-run. Contact us today to set up a consultation or drop-off servicing with our teams and see the difference!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Understanding Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

March 21, 2025

Modern vehicles are smarter and safer than ever, thanks to Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Features like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking help prevent accidents—but what happens when a vehicle equipped with ADAS is involved in a collision? The repair process has changed drastically in recent years, and it’s important for vehicle owners to understand ADAS and how these safety features impact collision repairs. What is ADAS? ADAS refers to a suite of safety technologies designed to assist drivers in avoiding accidents. These systems rely on sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor surroundings and react to potential hazards. Common ADAS features include: Lane Keep Assist – Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if drifting occurs. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Applies brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. Blind Spot Monitoring – Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. Adaptive Cruise Control – Adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert – Warns drivers of approaching traffic when backing up. Why ADAS Makes Collision Repairs More Complex When a vehicle with ADAS is involved in an accident, even a minor fender bender can disrupt these sensitive systems. Unlike traditional repairs that focused mainly on structural damage, modern collision repairs require precise calibration and diagnostics to ensure these safety features function correctly. 1. Specialized Repair Procedures Repairing ADAS-equipped vehicles requires manufacturer-specific procedures to prevent system malfunctions. A simple bumper replacement or windshield repair might seem straightforward, but if a radar sensor or camera is misaligned by even a fraction of an inch, it can lead to major safety risks. 2. Calibration is Critical After repairs, ADAS components must be recalibrated to ensure they function as intended. There are two types of ADAS calibration: Static Calibration – Performed in a controlled shop environment using specialized tools and targets. Dynamic Calibration – Requires driving the vehicle in specific conditions to reset ADAS sensors properly. Failing to calibrate ADAS systems correctly can cause them to malfunction or provide false warnings, putting the driver and others at risk. 3. Increased Repair Costs Due to the advanced technology involved, ADAS repairs can be more expensive than traditional collision repairs. The need for specialized equipment, software updates, and trained technicians means that repairing an ADAS-equipped vehicle often requires more time and expertise. How Morrow Collision Center Ensures Safe ADAS Repairs At Morrow Collision Center , we stay ahead of the curve by using the latest ADAS calibration technology. When you bring your vehicle to us, you can expect: Certified Technicians who understand the complexities of ADAS repairs. Advanced Calibration Equipment to ensure sensors, cameras, and radars are perfectly aligned. Manufacturer-Approved Repair Methods to restore your vehicle’s safety features. Thorough Post-Repair Testing to confirm that your ADAS systems work as intended. Trust Morrow Collision Center for Expert ADAS Repairs If your vehicle has been in an accident, don’t trust just any repair shop to get it back on the road safely. At Morrow Collision Center, we understand the intricacies of ADAS and ensure every car repair is done right. Contact us today to schedule your auto repair and let our experts restore your vehicle’s safety systems with precision and care.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Auto Collision Repairs?

February 27, 2025

When you're involved in a car accident, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: how much will it cost to repair my vehicle? The cost of collision repairs can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. At Morrow Collision Center, we believe in full transparency, so let’s take a closer look at what factors affect the cost of auto collision repairs. 1. The Extent of Damage One of the biggest factors affecting repair costs is the severity of the damage. Minor dents and scratches will cost significantly less than major structural damage . If essential components like the frame or suspension are affected, the repairs become more complex and expensive. 2. Type of Vehicle The make and model of your car play a big role in determining repair costs. Luxury and foreign cars often have specialized parts and materials that can be more expensive and timelier to replace. Additionally, newer models with advanced technology and sensors require specialized repair techniques, increasing labor costs. 3. Replacement Parts The choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, aftermarket parts, or used OEM parts can impact the cost. OEM parts tend to be pricier but ensure a perfect fit , while aftermarket or used parts might be more affordable but may vary in quality and compatibility. Your insurance company may not cover the full price of NEW OEM parts, so be sure to check your coverage! 4. Labor Costs Labor charges differ from shop to shop and market area, and depend on the complexity of the repair. High-tech features, like adaptive cruise control or collision avoidance systems, require skilled technicians, which can raise the cost of labor. 5. Paint and Finish If your car requires a new paint job, the cost will depend on the quality of paint, the number of coats, and whether custom paint matching is necessary. Some finishes require more precision and may increase costs. There are many types of paint finishes such as metallic, pearl, gloss, matte, or flat coats. Be sure to do your research on which may suit your preferences and needs best. Morrow Collision Center is proud to offer the PPG MoonWalk® system , ensuring the highest level of finish and precision. This state-of-the-art paint mixing technology provides exact color matching and a smooth application, so whether you’ve had a minor fender-bender or a more significant collision, we’ll restore your vehicle to its pre-accident beauty with unmatched accuracy and efficiency. 6. Insurance Coverage Your insurance policy and deductible can significantly influence how much you pay out of pocket. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help reduce your expenses, but if you have a high deductible, you may still need to cover a portion of the repair bill. 7. Additional Repairs and Hidden Damage Sometimes, additional damage is discovered once repairs begin. Hidden damage behind panels or under the hood can lead to unexpected costs. A thorough inspection by a trusted collision repair center can help identify these potential expenses early on. Bring Your Car to Morrow Today & Get an Honest Estimate At Morrow Collision Center, we provide detailed estimates to help you understand the cost of your auto repairs. Our experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure quality repairs, getting you back on the road safely and efficiently. Contact us or visit one of our locations today to get an estimate and let us take the stress out of collision repairs!