7 tips for dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Omaha
Omaha, NE – A 24-year-old man was arrested last week in Omaha in connection with a hit-and-run accident that left one woman dead. Miguelangel Bringshimback was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Milagros Lopez, 23, was found in an alley, in the area of 23rd and Castelar streets in the early morning hours of Feb. 17. Paramedics performed CPR on the way to the hospital, but the woman died.
The hit-and-run driver was identified after several witnesses went to the police to say they were part of a group that went to see the victim that night. Apparently, an argument started and Bringshimback got in his car and ran the victim over. It is unclear whether he wanted to kill the woman or simply scare her.
While this is not your typical hit-and-run accident, if you’re ever in such a crash, you need to know what to do to raise the chances of identifying the fleeing driver. Your first impulse may be to chase the driver, but experienced Omaha accident lawyers warn against such an idea. You risk getting into another accident, not to mention that a fleeing driver can have an unpredictable reaction even if you do catch up with them
7 things you must do following a hit-and-run accident
Any accident can be stressful and confusing, but a hit-and-run one is even more so. Here are some tips on what to do:
Stay calm: The first thing to do is to try to remain calm and composed. Take a few deep breaths to help reduce any stress or anxiety you may be feeling.
Call for help: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. If there are no injuries, call the police to report the hit-and-run accident.
Record information: Try to gather as much information as possible about the car that hit you, including the make and model of the other vehicle, its license plate number, and any identifying features. If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information.
Take pictures: Use your phone or camera to take pictures of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved.
Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and provide them with any information you have. If the other driver is never caught, you may at least recover some damages for the hit-and-run accident under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Seek medical attention: Seasoned Nebraska accident lawyers say that even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussion, may not be immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor sooner rather than later can prevent serious complications. Also, don’t forget you will need medical records when you file a personal injury claim
Contact an attorney: If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, or if you’re having difficulty dealing with your insurance company, it may be a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney. For one thing, they may be able to locate the driver. Relying solely on the police may not be a good idea as they are often overstretched.
If you were recently injured in any sort of accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Nebraska, schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney at the Rensch & Rensch Law firm, with offices in Omaha and Columbus. Their attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe them anything unless they win your case.
Contact info:
Toll-free: 800-471-4100
Omaha office:
7602 Pacific St #102, Omaha, NE 68114
Columbus office:
1470 25th Ave, Columbus, NE 68601
