If you're involved in a hit-and-run, filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Here's a quick guide to navigate the process:
Acting quickly and staying organized improves your chances of securing compensation. Legal assistance can also help if your claim faces challenges.
5 Steps to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim After a Hit-and-Run
The moments after a hit-and-run can feel overwhelming, but your safety should come first. If your car is still drivable, pull over to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911. Emergency services will send the police and, if needed, an ambulance.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Keep in mind that some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, might not show symptoms immediately. Do not attempt to chase the fleeing driver - doing so only increases the risk of further accidents.
A police report isn’t just helpful - it’s essential for filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance.
Without this report, your insurance provider might deny your claim altogether.
After stopping, evaluate whether it’s safe to stay where you are. If you’re on a busy road or in a dangerous spot like a blind curve, move to a safer area, such as the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. If your car is undrivable, carefully exit the vehicle and wait at a safe distance from traffic until the police arrive.
Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety and contacted authorities, take a moment to document as much as you can about the incident. Write down everything you recall about the fleeing vehicle: its make, model, color, and any visible license plate numbers or partial digits. Note the direction the vehicle was heading, as well as the time and location of the crash.
Look around for potential sources of video evidence, such as doorbell cameras, traffic cameras, or business security systems. Once you’ve gathered these details, you’ll be ready to collect additional evidence from the scene.
Once the police are on their way and everyone is safe, shift your attention to gathering evidence. Building on the initial documentation from Step 1, this step will help strengthen your uninsured motorist claim. The more thorough your evidence, the better your chances of success.
Even without a license plate, there are still plenty of ways to build a strong case. Hit-and-run incidents are shockingly frequent in the United States, occurring roughly every 43 seconds. In California alone, 405 hit-and-run fatalities were recorded in one recent year. Insurance companies are well aware of how common these situations are, making detailed evidence collection crucial.
Your smartphone is your best tool for documenting the scene. Start by photographing your vehicle's damage from multiple angles - close-ups for details like paint transfer, scuff marks, or chips, and wide shots to show the overall damage. These details can help investigators identify the fleeing vehicle's make and model.
Next, capture the surrounding area. Photograph skid marks, broken glass, car parts, traffic signs, and signals. Road conditions and debris can provide valuable clues for accident reconstruction experts to determine speed and fault. If you or your passengers have visible injuries - like bruises, cuts, or swelling - photograph them as well to establish the physical impact of the crash.
Don’t forget to check for nearby surveillance cameras. Take photos of doorbell cameras, business security systems, or traffic cameras in the area. Act quickly, as these recordings are often erased within days. In similar cases, footage from nearby cameras has played a key role in securing settlements through uninsured motorist arbitration.
If there are witnesses at the scene, approach them for their account of the crash. This could include other drivers, pedestrians, or people in nearby businesses. Witnesses can confirm your version of events and might notice details you missed in the chaos. In cases where the other vehicle didn’t physically touch your car but caused you to crash (a no-contact hit-and-run), independent witness testimony is often required to activate your uninsured motorist coverage.
Gather each witness's full name, phone number, and email address. Ask specific questions: Did they see the fleeing vehicle? Can they describe its color, make, model, or any part of the license plate? Which direction did it go? Did they notice anything unique, like bumper stickers or something about the driver? If they’re willing, have them jot down their recollections or record a quick voice memo while the incident is fresh in their mind. Also, check with other drivers to see if anyone’s dashcam captured the collision or the fleeing vehicle. These details not only bolster your case but also make the claims process smoother.
Once you've gathered evidence and filed a police report, the next step is to inform your insurance company. Most policies require you to report a hit-and-run within 24–72 hours, though some allow up to 30 days. Keep in mind, this timeframe starts from the moment of the accident - not after medical treatment or when you fully grasp the extent of your injuries.
When you contact your insurer, make sure to specify that you are filing an Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim. For insurance purposes, hit-and-run drivers are treated as if they are uninsured, so using the correct terminology is essential. Be prepared with your police report number, as this is often required to process such claims. Share key details like the date, time, and exact location of the incident (using landmarks or mile markers). If you have any information about the fleeing vehicle - such as its color, make, model, or part of its license plate - include that as well. Don’t forget to provide witness contact information and mention the photos you took at the scene.
The deadline to notify your uninsured or underinsured motorist carrier starts on the date of the accident, not when your medical treatment ends, or your injuries are fully understood.
Failing to meet this deadline could result in your UM claim being denied, even if your injuries are legitimate. While a phone call to your insurer is generally sufficient (as these calls are often recorded), it’s a good idea to follow up with written notice via email or letter. This ensures you have solid proof that you met the reporting deadline. Remember, filing a police report does not count as notifying your insurance company - this step must be done separately.
After meeting your policy's notification requirements, take steps to protect your rights. Stick to the basics - who, what, where, and when - without discussing injury details, fault, or speculating about the cause. Insurance adjusters may request a detailed recorded statement, but it’s best to politely decline until you’ve consulted with an attorney. This ensures you have expert guidance before providing any formal statement.
Staying within deadlines and being concise and factual in your communication with your insurer are key to safeguarding your claim and securing fair compensation.
Once your claim is underway, it’s time to focus on documenting your injuries and gathering essential paperwork. Even if you feel fine after the accident, getting a medical evaluation is crucial. Adrenaline can mask pain, and injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma might not show symptoms until hours or even days later. Seeing a doctor within 24–72 hours helps establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries - something insurance companies often scrutinize. Delayed medical care can give insurers a reason to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the hit-and-run.
Medical records are key to tying your injuries to the accident and strengthening your claim.
Whether you visit your primary care doctor or an emergency room, make sure your medical history explicitly mentions the hit-and-run. Follow all recommended treatments, such as physical therapy, specialist visits, or medications. Skipping or delaying treatment could give insurers a reason to argue that you worsened your condition by not following medical advice. This thorough documentation not only safeguards your health but also provides solid proof if your claim is questioned.
Keeping your paperwork organized is essential for a smooth claims process. Set up a dedicated file - either physical or digital - where you can store everything related to the accident. This should include:
Track every expense tied to the accident. This includes co-pays, over-the-counter medications, medical equipment like braces or crutches, and even mileage to and from medical appointments. If you’ve missed work, gather proof of lost wages, such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer. To support claims for pain and suffering, keep a daily journal detailing how your injuries affect your ability to work, sleep, and carry out daily activities.
When submitting documents to your insurer, always send copies and retain the originals. Having well-organized records will make negotiations smoother and help ensure your claim is backed by solid evidence.
Once your documentation is in order, it’s time to work with your insurer to submit your claim. This step is crucial for securing fair compensation, and it requires both patience and attention to detail. Your insurance company will need to confirm that the at-fault driver is indeed uninsured before approving your claim. Presenting your case effectively can help streamline the settlement process.
Most auto insurance policies include a "Notice of Occurrence and Cooperation" clause, which obligates you to assist with the investigation. As stated in standard policy language: "Insured agrees to notify the insurer of any accidents and thereafter comply with all information, assistance, and cooperation which the insurer reasonably requests...". Ignoring this requirement or delaying responses could result in your claim being denied, so it’s essential to respond promptly to all requests.
Your insurer will investigate the at-fault driver’s uninsured status by reviewing DMV records, police reports, and other state databases. If you’ve gathered the other driver’s information, it’s possible their policy may have lapsed due to non-payment, which your insurer will confirm. In cases where there’s no physical evidence of contact - commonly referred to as "phantom driver" incidents - independent witness statements are usually required to validate your claim.
Make sure to sign any necessary medical authorizations and be prepared for independent medical examinations to confirm injury-related costs. It’s also helpful to maintain a detailed log of dates, adjuster names, and summaries of conversations to keep the process moving smoothly.
After the investigation, you’ll need to compile a strong demand package to present to your insurer. This package should include key documents such as the police report, medical records and bills, proof of lost wages, repair estimates, and any photos from the accident scene. Be sure to include your claim number in the subject line of any correspondence to ensure it’s routed correctly.
Your demand package should also feature a written narrative that explains the accident, details how the injuries have affected your daily life, and specifies a settlement amount with a reasonable deadline for a response. Knowing the limits of your Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) and Property Damage (UMPD) coverage beforehand can help you set realistic expectations.
When negotiating with adjusters, keep your communication clear and focused. Avoid sharing unnecessary details that could be used to question liability or suggest shared fault. If the insurer’s initial offer seems too low, provide thorough documentation to support your counteroffer. Remember, about 14% of drivers in the U.S. are uninsured, meaning insurers are familiar with these types of claims. By staying professional, organized, and persistent, you can improve your chances of securing fair compensation for your losses.
Filing a claim after a hit-and-run can feel overwhelming, but working with experienced legal professionals can make the process much more manageable. True North Injury Law focuses on Utah's hit-and-run and uninsured motorist laws, including the no-fault system outlined in Utah Code § 31A-22-305. This law treats unidentified fleeing drivers as uninsured, simplifying the path to compensation. With over a decade of experience, more than $15 million recovered for clients, and assistance provided to over 500 individuals, we have a track record of delivering results.
One of our first steps is securing time-sensitive evidence. True North Injury Law’s team collaborates with law enforcement and private investigators to locate the fleeing driver, collect surveillance footage before it’s deleted, and document witness statements. We also handle all communication with insurance adjusters, who often try to deny or undervalue claims when the at-fault driver can’t be identified. We'll handle all communication with insurance companies while you focus on your recovery. This hands-on approach ensures that no detail is overlooked when assessing your damages.
We take a comprehensive look at your losses, including medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys are well-versed in navigating the complexities of insurance policies, such as Uninsured Motorist (UM) claims, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and collision coverage. In Utah, PIP coverage is mandatory and provides at least $3,000 for medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault.
True North Injury Law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they secure compensation for you. They also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. If an insurance company refuses to settle fairly, their trial-ready attorneys are prepared to take the case to court. With nine legal awards highlighting their excellence, they bring the expertise needed to pursue full compensation. By combining their resources and legal knowledge, True North Injury Law ensures you’re positioned to recover everything you’re entitled to after a hit-and-run incident.
If you're involved in a hit-and-run, filing your uninsured motorist (UM) claim as soon as possible is essential. Taking steps like securing the scene, gathering evidence, notifying your insurer, seeking medical care, and submitting your claim quickly strengthens your case. These actions are especially important since the burden of proof in hit-and-run cases falls on you.
Timing plays a key role. Filing a police report promptly - often a requirement in UM policies - helps prevent claim denials. Likewise, getting a medical evaluation right away establishes a clear connection between your injuries and the accident. Keep in mind that many UM policies require sworn statements within 30 days, a much shorter timeframe than state statutes of limitation.
Statistics highlight the importance of acting quickly to collect evidence and report the incident. Proper documentation and timely action are your strongest tools for avoiding claim denials.
Legal support can make a big difference, especially when navigating challenges like low settlement offers or tricky recorded statements. True North Injury Law offers a free consultation and operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win compensation for you. Their knowledge of Utah’s no-fault system and UM laws ensures every detail is addressed, giving you the best chance for a successful outcome.
If you missed getting the other driver’s license plate in a hit-and-run, don’t panic - there are still steps you can take. Start by collecting other types of evidence. Snap photos of the accident scene, jot down details about the vehicle, such as its make, model, color, and any visible damage. Check for witnesses who might have seen what happened or nearby traffic cameras that could have recorded the incident. Be sure to report the situation to law enforcement as soon as possible. If your insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage with hit-and-run protection, you might still be able to file a claim.
Filing an uninsured motorist claim could lead to higher insurance premiums, though this largely depends on your specific policy and insurance provider. Despite the potential for increased rates, this type of claim can be crucial for covering damages when the at-fault driver is either uninsured or cannot be identified. To get a clear picture of how this might affect your premiums, review your policy documents or reach out to your insurer for clarification.
If your uninsured motorist (UM) claim gets denied or undervalued, the first step is to carefully examine the denial letter. This will help you understand the specific reasons behind the decision. Next, gather all the essential documents related to your case - this could include accident reports, photos from the scene, and medical records. These materials can help you build a stronger argument.
You also have the option to formally appeal the decision by submitting additional evidence that supports your claim. For guidance through this process, consider consulting a legal professional with experience in UM claims. Their expertise can make it easier to navigate the appeal and potentially increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
