If you are involved in a hit and run accident in Queensland, it is important to seek medical treatment, report the accident where required, and keep records relating to the incident.
The following information provides a general overview of practical steps that may assist following a hit and run accident.
Immediate Safety and Medical Assistance
Following a hit and run accident, the first priority is safety and medical attention.
If anyone is seriously injured, emergency services should be contacted by calling 000.
If ambulance treatment is not required at the scene, it may still be appropriate to attend a hospital or local doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries may not be fully apparent immediately after a motor vehicle accident.
Reporting the Accident
A hit and run accident may need to be reported to police.
If the accident is reported, it may assist to keep a record of any police reference number, event number, or other information provided.
Where the other driver has not exchanged details, reporting the incident may also assist in documenting the circumstances of the accident.
Recording Information About the Other Vehicle
If it is safe and possible to do so, it may assist to record any information about the vehicle that left the scene.
This may include:
- The registration number, or any part of it;
- The make, model, and colour of the vehicle;
- The direction the vehicle travelled;
- The time and location of the accident;
- Any visible damage to the other vehicle;
- Details of any occupants, if observed; and
- Any dashcam, CCTV, or nearby camera locations.
It is important not to place yourself or others at risk when attempting to record information.
Collecting Information at the Scene
It may also assist to record information about the accident scene.
Relevant information may include:
- Photographs of vehicle damage;
- Photographs of the accident location;
- Road conditions;
- Traffic lights, signs, or intersections;
- Visible hazards or obstructions;
- Names and contact details of witnesses; and
- Any available dashcam footage.
Photographs and records should only be taken where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Medical Treatment and Records
Medical records may become relevant following a hit and run accident.
It may assist to keep copies of:
- Hospital discharge summaries;
- General practitioner records;
- Specialist reports;
- Imaging or scan results;
- Physiotherapy or rehabilitation records;
- Prescriptions or medication records; and
- Medical certificates.
When seeking medical treatment, it is important to accurately explain how the accident occurred and the symptoms experienced.
CTP Insurance and the Nominal Defendant
In Queensland, registered vehicles generally have compulsory third party, or CTP, insurance.
Where the vehicle involved in an accident cannot be identified, or where an uninsured vehicle is involved, the Nominal Defendant may become relevant.
Different requirements and timeframes may apply depending on the circumstances of the accident. People involved in hit and run accident matters may wish to obtain legal advice about any rights or obligations that may arise.
Keeping Documents and Correspondence
It may assist to keep copies of documents and communications relating to the accident.
These may include:
- Police reference details;
- Medical records;
- Repair or towing documents;
- Insurer correspondence;
- Photographs;
- Witness information;
- Dashcam footage; and
- Documents relating to time away from work.
Keeping documents together may assist if information is later required in relation to the accident.
A hit and run accident may need to be reported to police, depending on the circumstances. It may assist to keep any police reference number or event number provided.
It may assist to record the location, time, vehicle details, witness information, photographs, dashcam footage, and any available information about the vehicle that left the scene.
Where a vehicle cannot be identified, the Nominal Defendant may become relevant in Queensland, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Medical assessment may assist with diagnosis and treatment following a motor vehicle accident, including where symptoms are not immediately apparent.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.