Document everything meticulously. Use your phone to take clear photos and videos of all damage to your vehicle, the surrounding scene (skid marks, debris), and your visible injuries. Note the exact time and location. Get contact information from any witnesses; their independent accounts are invaluable. This evidence is your strongest tool for proving the incident occurred and supporting your claim with insurers and police.

Saying no means proceeding to trial, which carries significant uncertainty. Juries are unpredictable. You risk getting nothing or a lower award. Also, consider the additional time (often years), stress, and upfront costs of a trial. If you lose, you typically owe nothing, but you also recover nothing. The settlement offer provides guaranteed, immediate closure, which has substantial value you must factor in.

Yes, contact your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Provide them with the police report number and all the evidence you collected. This starts the claims process. Your own collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage coverage typically applies in hit-and-run cases. Delaying this call can give the insurer a reason to question or deny your claim.