A hit-and-run accident is when a driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or help. It's illegal in all 50 U.S. states, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. If you're involved in one, acting quickly is key to protecting your health, rights, and ability to seek compensation. Here's a quick summary of what to do:
In 2023, hit-and-runs contributed to 11% of serious accidents and 20% of fatal crashes. Acting fast ensures evidence is preserved, injuries are documented, and your claim is supported.
5 Essential Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Take a moment to assess your surroundings before taking action. Rushing to exit your vehicle could worsen hidden injuries or expose you to additional dangers. Look out for hazards like leaking fluids, smoke, or the smell of gasoline. If you notice any of these, move away from the vehicle immediately and avoid driving it.
If your car is still functional and there’s no sign of fire or fuel leaks, pull over to a safe spot, such as the shoulder or another secure area away from traffic. This helps prevent further collisions and reduces the risk of secondary accidents.
If your vehicle is immobile, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. You can also use emergency flares if you have them. If it’s safe, exit the vehicle and move to a secure location far from oncoming traffic. However, if you’re on a high-speed highway with no shoulder, it’s safer to remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. Never attempt to chase after a driver who has fled the scene.
Once you’ve secured your location, focus on assessing your own condition and that of your passengers.
After reaching a safe spot, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Ask if anyone feels pain or discomfort, and watch for signs like dizziness, confusion, or shock. Keep in mind that adrenaline can mask injuries immediately after an accident. Symptoms of conditions like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions may not show up until a day or two later. Pay close attention to neck pain, shoulder pain from seat belts, or chest pain caused by airbag deployment.
If anyone is unconscious, unable to move, has visible serious injuries, or if you’re too shaken to assess the situation, call 911 right away. Avoid moving anyone who might have a spinal injury unless it’s absolutely necessary to prevent further danger, such as in the case of a fire.
When emergency responders arrive, let them examine you thoroughly - even if you feel okay. Refusing medical attention at the scene could later be used to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. If calling 911 from a cell phone, make sure to provide your exact location and phone number in case the call gets disconnected.
Once you've ensured everyone's safety, the next step is notifying the police. This creates an official record of the incident. Report the hit-and-run as soon as possible, even if the damage seems minor, to document it as a criminal act. In 2022 alone, there were over 850,000 hit-and-run incidents, leading to 2,854 deaths. Despite these alarming figures, only about 8% of drivers in two-vehicle nighttime hit-and-runs are apprehended.
If someone is injured or there's significant property damage, call 911 immediately. For minor damage with no injuries, some areas let you use a non-emergency line or file a report online within 24 hours. When speaking to the dispatcher, provide your exact location using nearby intersections or landmarks. Share details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, any part of the license plate (even partial information or the issuing state), and descriptions of the driver, like their approximate age, gender, or distinguishing features (e.g., glasses, hair color, clothing). Mention any unique vehicle details, such as bumper stickers, roof racks, window tints, or visible dents.
It's also crucial to inform officers about the direction the vehicle was heading when it fled. This information helps law enforcement search the area more effectively. Additionally, point out any nearby security cameras - like those at businesses, ATMs, or homes - that might have captured the incident. Police can access resources like traffic cameras that aren't available to the public.
"Any information about the car collision you can provide to help complete the timeline of the accident for your insurance company will expedite the claims process." - Kevin Quinn, VP of Auto Claims, Mercury Insurance
Once the police are notified, the next step is to ensure you have the necessary documentation for your insurance claim.
Before the officers leave, ask for the case or incident report number, along with the responding officer's name and badge number. These details are essential when filing your insurance claim. Most insurers require an official police report, especially if you're using Uninsured Motorist coverage for a hit-and-run claim. This report serves as a neutral record of the incident, documenting the time, location, and key facts, which helps avoid disputes about liability later.
Typically, crash reports are ready within 5 to 10 days. In some areas, you can access them online through services like BuyCrash. This report is critical evidence showing that the damage was caused by another party and that you weren't at fault. If the fleeing driver is identified later, the report can be updated, allowing your claim to shift from "uninsured" to a standard liability claim.
While waiting for the police to arrive, gathering evidence can strengthen your insurance claim and help investigators track down the fleeing driver. In 2019, there were over 800,000 hit-and-run accidents in the U.S., but only about 8% of drivers involved in two-vehicle nighttime crashes were caught. Collecting solid evidence may increase the likelihood of identifying the responsible party.
Use your smartphone to document the scene thoroughly. Capture close-up and wide-angle shots of the damage to your vehicle. Look for paint transfer from the other car, which can help identify its color. Photograph debris left behind, such as broken glass or car parts, as these can provide clues about the other vehicle.
Expand your documentation to include the broader scene. Take pictures of nearby intersections, traffic lights, road signs, and street names to pinpoint the exact location. Don’t forget to photograph skid marks, tire tracks, and any fluid trails on the road. If you catch a glimpse of the fleeing vehicle, try to snap a photo of its license plate, make, model, or any unique details like bumper stickers or visible damage. Also, take note of any security cameras on nearby buildings, traffic poles, or businesses, as these might have recorded useful footage.
Eyewitness accounts can be crucial for identifying the fleeing driver and supporting your case. If you’re able, approach bystanders or other drivers who stopped at the scene. Ask for their version of events, including details about the vehicle or driver. Request their full name, phone number, and email address. See if they noted anything specific, like partial license plate numbers, the car’s make or model, or unique features. Witnesses may also recall details about the driver, such as their approximate age, gender, hair color, clothing, or the direction they were traveling.
If someone has photos, videos, or dashcam footage, ask if they’re willing to share it. For parked car incidents, check your windshield for any notes left by witnesses offering information or contact details. Encourage witnesses to stay until the police arrive so they can provide an official statement.
Record key details as soon as possible. Write down the exact time, location, and weather conditions. Include information about the direction both vehicles were traveling, the estimated speed of the other car, and where the impact occurred.
If you’re too shaken to write, use your smartphone’s voice recording app to capture these details while they’re fresh in your mind. Be sure to mention the direction the fleeing vehicle went after the crash, as this can help law enforcement in their search.
Once you’ve gathered all the evidence, you’ll be ready to notify your insurance company in the next step.
Once you've filed a police report and gathered all necessary evidence, the next step is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Most auto insurance policies require you to report accidents promptly, and delaying this step could jeopardize your claim. Use your insurer's 24/7 claims hotline or their mobile app to get the process started right away. Acting quickly ensures your claim is supported by the evidence you've already collected, helping to avoid unnecessary delays.
When speaking with your insurer, provide key details, including the exact time, date, and location of the incident. If you have information about the fleeing vehicle - such as its make, model, color, or a partial license plate - be sure to share that as well. Stick to the facts during this conversation and avoid making assumptions about fault or downplaying any injuries, especially before you've had a proper medical evaluation.
Your insurance company will need the police report or case number to verify the incident and confirm that you were not at fault. This document is essential because it officially records the crime of fleeing the scene and helps streamline the claims process. Without it, many insurers might struggle to proceed with a hit-and-run claim. Keep your case number on hand, and request a full copy of the report to submit along with any photos, witness statements, or other evidence you've collected.
The type of coverage you have will determine how your claim is handled in a hit-and-run situation. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant coverage types:
If the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified, your insurer may pursue subrogation to recover the costs from the driver’s insurance.
| Coverage Type | Covers Repairs | Covers Injuries | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collision | Yes | No | Police report and deductible |
| Uninsured Motorist | Yes (via UMPD) | Yes (via UMBI) | Subject to policy limits |
Once you’ve clarified your coverage, you’ll be ready to move forward with seeking medical care and, if necessary, legal advice in the next step.
After a hit-and-run, even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to remember that injuries can sometimes stay hidden. Adrenaline might mask pain from issues like whiplash, concussions, or even internal injuries, which may only show up hours or days later. It’s best to seek medical attention as soon as possible - ideally the same day or the next. As attorney Rich Martin puts it, "Remember, your body's warning lights might not blink immediately - get checked by a professional."
Getting a prompt medical evaluation is not just about your health; it’s also a key step in documenting injuries connected to the accident. This documentation can be critical if you need to file a claim, as it prevents disputes over delayed treatment. Make sure to report all symptoms, no matter how minor they seem, and attend any follow-up appointments your doctor recommends.
Another helpful step is keeping a recovery journal. Use it to track your pain levels, mobility issues, and how the accident has affected your daily life. This kind of detailed record can not only help your medical team but also serve as strong evidence if you pursue a legal case.
| Injury Type | Potential Delayed Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Concussion/TBI | Dizziness, confusion, headaches, sleep disruptions |
| Whiplash | Neck stiffness, shoulder pain, reduced range of motion |
| Internal Bleeding | Abdominal pain, deep bruising, lightheadedness |
| Soft Tissue Damage | Swelling, localized pain, numbness |
Once your injuries are properly documented, the next step is to protect your legal rights.
After addressing your medical needs, it’s time to seek legal advice. Since the at-fault driver fled the scene, recovering compensation can be more complicated. This is where a personal injury attorney comes in - they can guide you through the process, helping identify options like Uninsured Motorist (UM) benefits, assisting in locating the fleeing driver, and calculating both your medical costs and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
For example, True North Injury Law has recovered over $15 million for clients and has more than a decade of experience handling hit-and-run cases. They work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. Many firms also offer free consultations, so you can explore your options without any upfront costs. Before signing anything or giving recorded statements to insurance companies, make sure to consult an attorney. This step ensures your rights are protected and helps you pursue the compensation you deserve.
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. Acting quickly - by following the five steps outlined earlier - can help protect both your well-being and your legal rights.
Time is critical. Evidence can disappear fast, and reporting the incident promptly - often within 24 to 48 hours - is crucial for Uninsured Motorist coverage. Every second after the crash could make a difference.
In the United States, over one hit-and-run occurs every minute, and 11.4% of injury crashes involve these incidents. These numbers highlight just how important it is to act swiftly.
"The steps you take immediately after the accident can protect your health, strengthen your insurance claim, and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation." - Accident Advocate
Even if the driver who fled the scene is never found, you might still have access to compensation through your insurance policy’s Uninsured Motorist coverage.
If you didn’t catch the license plate number, contact the police right away to report the hit-and-run. Offer any details you remember - like the vehicle’s make, model, color, or the direction it was heading. Take photos of the scene and gather statements from witnesses if you can. The more information you provide, the better it will assist law enforcement in their investigation and strengthen your insurance claim.
If you have appropriate coverage - like collision or uninsured motorist coverage - your insurance rates typically won't go up after filing a hit-and-run claim. Make sure to report the incident to both the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. This helps safeguard your claim and ensures the situation is handled correctly.
The time frame for reporting a hit-and-run varies based on where you live and how serious the incident is. Typically, accidents that result in injuries or major property damage need to be reported right away. For cases involving only property damage, the window to report can range from 24 hours to 15 days, depending on local laws. Acting quickly not only keeps you within legal guidelines but also helps safeguard your rights.
