What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Involving a Delivery Vehicle

The sudden jolt, the screech of tyres, the sickening crunch – and then, silence, save for the rapidly fading sound of a vehicle speeding away. Being involved in any road incident is distressing, but a hit-and-run, especially one involving a delivery vehicle, adds layers of confusion, frustration, and often, a sense of helplessness. These incidents can leave drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians not only with injuries or damaged property but also with a feeling of being abandoned and unsure of what to do next. In New Zealand, with the ever-increasing number of delivery vehicles on our roads, understanding your rights and the crucial steps to take after a hit-and-run involving a delivery vehicle is more important than ever. This guide is here to reassure you, provide clarity, and empower you with the knowledge to navigate this challenging situation.

Your Safety Comes First: Immediate Actions

Your immediate priority should always be your safety and the safety of others. Even if the other party has fled, remaining calm and assessing your situation is crucial.

Ensure Your Well-being

First and foremost, check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain. If anyone is injured, call 111 immediately for emergency services. Do not try to move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger.

If you are a cyclist or pedestrian, move to the safest possible location away from traffic. If you are a driver, pull your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s safe and possible to do so.

Secure the Scene (Safely)

Once you’ve ensured everyone’s immediate safety, if it’s safe to do so, start gathering information. Remember, the other party has left, so you are responsible for documenting what you can.

• Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone to capture as much detail as possible. Photograph the damage to your vehicle, bicycle, or personal property. Capture the location from multiple angles, including street signs, intersections, and any road markings. If the delivery vehicle left behind any parts (e.g., a broken headlight, a piece of trim), photograph it and, if safe, secure it.
• Look for Witnesses: Scan the area for anyone who might have seen what happened. This could be other drivers, pedestrians, residents, or people in nearby businesses. Ask for their contact information and a brief statement of what they observed.
• Note the Details: Write down the exact time, date, and location of the incident. Note the weather conditions, visibility, and any other environmental factors that might be relevant.

Crucial Details to Collect: The Hunt for Answers

Even a small piece of information can be vital in identifying the runaway driver and their delivery vehicle. Think like a detective!

What to Note About the Delivery Vehicle

While the vehicle may have sped off, try to recall as many details as possible:

• Type of Vehicle: Was it a large truck, a van, a car, or even a scooter?
• Company Branding/Logo: Many delivery vehicles are clearly branded. Did you see a company name, logo, or distinctive colours (e.g., a common courier service)? Even a partial name or a recognisable colour scheme can be a huge lead.
• Description: What colour was it? What make or model did it appear to be (e.g., a white Mercedes Sprinter van)? Did it have any distinguishing features like roof racks, specific decals, or damage?
• Partial License Plate: This is gold. Even if you only caught a few letters or numbers, it can significantly narrow down the search. Write down whatever you remember immediately.
• Driver Description: If you saw the driver, what did they look like? Gender, estimated age, hair colour, any distinctive clothing?
• Direction of Travel: Which way did the vehicle go after the hit-and-run?

Utilise Technology

Technology can be your best friend in these situations:

• Dashcam Footage: If you have a dashcam, secure the footage immediately. If another driver was nearby and has a dashcam, ask if they would be willing to share their footage.
• CCTV: Many businesses and homes have CCTV cameras pointed towards the street. Approach nearby businesses or residents politely and ask if their cameras might have captured the incident or the fleeing vehicle.
• Ring Doorbell/Security Cameras: Similar to CCTV, private security cameras can often catch valuable footage.
• Public Transport Cameras: Buses often have external cameras that could have captured the event.

Who to Contact and When: Reporting the Incident

Once you’ve gathered initial information, it’s time to report the hit-and-run to the proper authorities and relevant parties.

Police

You must report a hit-and-run to the New Zealand Police as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. This is a legal requirement if property damage or injury occurred. Providing them with all the details you’ve collected will be crucial for their investigation. The police report creates an official record of the incident, which is vital for any subsequent insurance claims or legal actions.

Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider promptly, even if you don’t know who the other party is. Inform them that you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run with a delivery vehicle and have filed a police report. Understand your policy’s terms regarding hit-and-run incidents, uninsured motorist clauses, and deductibles.

The Delivery Company (If Identified)

If you managed to identify the delivery company (e.g., by logo or branding), consider contacting them. Provide them with the incident details and the police report number. While they may not immediately admit fault, informing them can sometimes prompt an internal investigation, especially if their drivers are company employees or under strict contract.

Navigating the Aftermath: Understanding Your Rights and Options

Beyond the immediate aftermath, understanding your rights in New Zealand is key to your recovery and seeking appropriate compensation.

ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)

In New Zealand, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides no-fault cover for personal injuries caused by accidents, regardless of who was at fault. This is a huge benefit after a hit-and-run. If you sustained injuries as a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, ACC can help cover treatment costs, medical expenses, and provide weekly payments if you’re unable to work. Ensure you see a doctor or other health professional as soon as possible, and they will help you lodge an ACC claim.

Seeking Compensation for Damages (Beyond ACC)

While ACC covers personal injuries, it doesn’t cover property damage (like your vehicle or bicycle) or other losses. Here’s what you need to know:

• Vehicle Repairs/Property Damage: If the driver of the delivery vehicle is identified, you may be able to pursue a claim against them or their insurance company for property damage.
• Your Own Insurance: If the other driver isn’t found, your comprehensive insurance policy would typically cover your vehicle’s damage, subject to your excess. If you only have third-party insurance, you might face more challenges.
• Uninsured Motorist Clause: Some insurance policies have an “uninsured motorist” or “unknown driver” clause that might offer some protection even if the hit-and-run driver isn’t identified. Check your policy details carefully.
• The “Small Claims” Court (Disputes Tribunal): For smaller claims, if the other party is identified but disputes liability, the Disputes Tribunal offers a less formal and more cost-effective way to resolve disputes.

Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run, especially when a commercial entity like a delivery company is involved, can be complex. There are often questions about driver employment status, company liability, and the intricacies of transport law. It’s in these situations that professional legal guidance becomes invaluable.

A hit-and-run involving a delivery vehicle is a traumatic event, but you don’t have to face it alone. By taking immediate, well-considered steps, gathering crucial information, and understanding your rights in New Zealand, you can significantly improve your chances of a positive outcome. Remember, the goal is to protect your safety, document the incident thoroughly, and seek the support you need for recovery and compensation.

If you’ve been affected by a hit-and-run involving a delivery vehicle in New Zealand, understanding your legal options is the next critical step. Don’t navigate this complex process alone. Reach out to legal experts who can help you understand your rights and guide you forward. Start a transport liability claim.