What should I do if the other driver leaves the accident scene and he was at fault?

Get as much information as possible. Use your cell phone to take pictures, and write down the make, model and color of the fleeing driver's car and the license plate number if you can. If there are witnesses, get their contact information to share with your insurance company and the police.

Car insurance companies have expertise in tracking down hit-and-run drivers, so the more information you collect, the better the chance they have of finding the culprit. After the accident, contact your car insurance agent or company as soon as possible. Some insurance companies offer smartphone applications that lead you through the steps to follow after an accident and allow you to start the claims process on the spot.

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Of course your first priority when you're involved in an accident is to make sure everyone is all right. Call 911 immediately if someone is injured. The police don't respond to all accidents in some communities and may decline to respond if there are no injuries. Nevertheless, you should notify police, particularly when a driver has fled the scene. Notifying policy may be a requirement of your car insurance company.

After you contact your insurance company to report the accident, a claims representative should get back to you within 24 hours. Your insurer will work to track down the other driver and his insurance company if he has one.

Whether you are covered for property damage or injuries caused by a driver who leaves the scene without sharing insurance information depends on the terms of your policy. That's why it's a good idea to review your car insurance benefits before you get in an accident. To avoid getting caught short on coverage, consider purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage. Hit-and-run drivers who can't be tracked down are generally considered uninsured where an insurance claim is involved.

For more, see car insurance cover-up: what to do when an at-fault driver won't reveal his auto insurance information.