Law Dispatcher

It’s a nightmare when you’ve been in a vehicle accident and it’s even worse when it’s a hit and run. Yes, they do happen unfortunately. Here’s what you need to do. First, try to copy down the tag number of the driver who left the scene. Getting it copied down correctly is going to be a huge help to the law enforcement official who investigates the accident. On rare occasions we have been able to figure out the correct tag number when it’s been copied down incorrectly but that takes a lot of time and effort. Make sure you also make note of the following: date, time, location, the direction of travel that the driver left in and what type and color of vehicle were they driving. Also guesstimate where the damage would be on their vehicle. You need to stay at the scene of the accident and contact your local law enforcement. They will respond to you at that location. Give them the information and they will issue you a case number. Your insurance company will want that case number.

Make sure that when you contact your local law enforcement agency that you know the following basic information: your location, your phone number, what kind and color of vehicle you are driving, is there any road blockage, any injuries, anyone ejected from the vehicle or trapped inside, is there any hazardous materials involved, is your vehicle leaking any fluids, do you see any smoke or flames.

All this information is vitally important for responders and dispatchers to insure that the correct response has been sent. Remember, a vehicle crash with injuries does qualify as a valid 911 call.