A hit and run accident is more than a crash. It is a criminal act that leaves you injured, confused, and often without clear answers. According to AAA, there are more than 737,100 hit-and-run crashes annually nationwide, with thousands resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
If you were involved in one, the next few steps you take are critical. They can determine whether you get medical help, collect fair compensation, or face financial setbacks. This guide covers everything you need to know, from accident response and evidence collection to legal options and insurance claims.
Immediate Actions to Take
Your first decisions after the crash shape your safety, your records, and your case.
- Check for injuries
Make sure everyone in your car is okay. Call 911 if there are signs of pain, bleeding, confusion, or any serious trauma.
- Move to safety
If the car is driveable, pull to the side. Use hazard lights to alert traffic.
- Call the police
Even if the damage appears minor, a police report creates an official record and supports your claim.
- Stay at the scene
Do not follow the fleeing driver. Remaining at the site protects your safety and legal standing.
Reporting a Hit-and Run Accident to the Police
Accurate, prompt reporting helps protect your legal and insurance rights.
When officers arrive, tell them:
- The make, model, and color of the other car
- Direction it traveled
- License plate (even partial)
- Any visible damage, bumper stickers, or company logos
- Where cameras might be located
- What witnesses saw
Ask for a copy or report number. You’ll need it for any insurance claims or legal consultations.
Insurance Claim Process
You may be able to recover compensation through your own policy.
What coverage may help:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM): Covers bodily injuries if the at-fault driver is unknown.
- Collision: Pays for damage to your car, subject to a deductible.
- MedPay: Covers hospital bills, ambulance fees, and follow-ups regardless of fault.
When filing your claim:
- Notify your insurer right away
- Provide the police report and medical records
- Submit photos of the scene and your vehicle
- Include names of witnesses and any repair estimates
- Keep track of all paperwork and communication
Ask your insurance rep what’s covered, how your deductible applies, and how long processing might take.
Gathering Evidence for a Hit-and-Run Case
Even if the other driver is never found, documentation strengthens your claim.
- Photos: Take wide shots and close-ups of damage, injuries, street signs, and debris.
- Written Notes: As soon as possible, write down what happened. Include time, location, traffic, and weather conditions.
- Witnesses: Get names, phone numbers, and brief statements.
- Security Footage: Look for nearby businesses, homes, or city cameras. Ask the owners to save recordings.
If you hire a lawyer, they can help collect or preserve this evidence before it disappears.
Legal Options Available
You have the right to pursue compensation through your policy or in court.
- Uninsured Motorist Claim: If the driver is not identified, your own UM policy may cover your medical expenses, lost income, and more.
- Civil Lawsuit: If the driver is identified later, you may sue them for damages, including emotional distress.
- Bad Faith Claim: If your insurance delays or denies payment without reason, legal action against the insurer may be possible.
Each state has a statute of limitations for filing injury claims, commonly 1 to 3 years. Check your local laws or speak to an attorney to understand your timeline.
What to Do Next
Take steps to protect your health and build your case.
- See a doctor even if you feel fine. Document any symptoms that develop later.
- Keep all receipts for medical visits, medications, repairs, and towing.
- Stay in touch with your insurer but consult an attorney if the claim is delayed, denied, or underpaid.
- Avoid posting accident details on social media.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents
Understanding what leads to these crashes helps you recognize risk and build stronger claims.
- Drivers without insurance or valid licenses
- Fear of DUI or outstanding arrest warrants
- Distracted or reckless driving
- Panic during multi-car collisions
- Street racing or aggressive behavior
Knowing the cause may influence legal strategy or help police identify the fleeing driver.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Hit and Run Accidents
Prompt treatment supports recovery and strengthens your claim.
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Cuts and soft tissue damage
- Psychological trauma such as anxiety or depression
Some symptoms appear hours or days later. Document everything through medical records.
What If You Hit a Parked Car and No One Is Around?
You have legal duties, even if the other party is not present.
You still have legal responsibilities, regardless of whether someone is present.
In most states, you must:
- Leave a note with your contact and insurance information
- Call the police if significant damage occurred
- Take photos of the scene and both vehicles
- Remain nearby until you’ve taken reasonable steps
Failing to do so could result in criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident.
Penalties for Hit and Run
Penalties vary by state, but all are serious.
- Property Damage Only: Usually a misdemeanor, with potential fines, jail time, and license points.
- Injury or Death: Often a felony, carrying the risk of prison time, license suspension, and civil lawsuits.
- Insurance Consequences: Hit and run convictions may lead to rate hikes, policy cancellations, or ineligibility.
Criminal charges are separate from any civil claims the victim may pursue.
How to Prevent Being a Victim of Hit and Run
While you can’t control others, you can lower your risk.
- Install a dash cam and rear-view camera
- Park in visible, well-lit areas
- Leave space between vehicles in traffic
- Avoid distracted driving
- Monitor your surroundings at intersections
These steps not only reduce accident risk but may also help identify drivers in a crash.
Contact Mike Slocumb Law Firm Today!
A hit and run accident can be overwhelming, but you are not powerless. Knowing how to respond can protect your health, strengthen your insurance claim, and prepare you for legal action if needed.
Document everything. Seek medical attention. File a claim quickly. And if anything becomes difficult to manage, speak with a legal professional.
The attorneys at Mike Slocumb Law Firm have experience handling complex hit and run claims. We help clients recover compensation, negotiate with insurers, and fight for what they are owed. If the other driver is found, we can represent you in court for that as well.
Call today or contact us online for a free case review. You pay nothing unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have uninsured motorist coverage?
You may still qualify under collision coverage or explore legal action if the driver is found. Speak with an attorney about next steps.
How long do hit and run investigations take?
It varies. Some are resolved in days if camera footage is available. Others may take weeks or longer.
Will my insurance rates go up?
Not always. If the accident was not your fault, your insurer may not penalize you, especially if you have UM or MedPay coverage.