Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
A hit-and-run accident can leave anyone feeling shocked, confused, and angry. One moment you’re driving safely, and the next you’re dealing with vehicle damage, injuries, or fear—while the driver who caused it has already sped away. Unlike typical accidents where both parties exchange information, hit-and-run cases create uncertainty and frustration for victims who must now gather evidence alone.
The good news is that you still have legal rights. You can still file a claim, still pursue compensation, and still hold the responsible party accountable—whether they are identified or not. Knowing what to do in the minutes and days following a hit-and-run can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim.
This guide walks you through every crucial step to take after a hit-and-run accident, from collecting evidence to contacting your insurer, and how to protect your physical, financial, and legal well-being.
Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
Hit-and-run accidents often happen suddenly, leaving victims startled. Before anything else, take a moment to assess your physical condition. Check for:
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Headaches, dizziness, or confusion
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Neck or back pain
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Cuts, bruises, or bleeding
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Difficulty moving
If anyone in your vehicle is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Even if you feel “fine,” remember that many injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, internal injuries, and soft-tissue damage—may not show symptoms until hours later.
Do NOT Chase the Other Driver
Many victims feel a strong urge to follow the fleeing vehicle, but this is extremely dangerous and can:
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Lead to another collision
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Put you at risk of violence
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Destroy critical evidence
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Be used against you legally
Stay at the scene. Your priority is safety, not pursuit.
Call the Police Immediately
A hit-and-run is a criminal offense. Calling the police quickly helps ensure:
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The accident is officially documented
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Officers begin searching for the suspect
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Traffic cameras or witnesses can be located
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Insurance companies take your claim seriously
Tell the dispatcher:
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Location of the accident
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Direction the other driver fled
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Vehicle details (color, model, plate digits)
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Whether there are injuries
The police report becomes one of the most important pieces of evidence in your claim.
Gather as Much Information as Possible
In a hit-and-run, every detail helps. Write down everything you remember—even small pieces of information can be useful.
Try to capture:
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License plate details (even partial)
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Vehicle color, make, model
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Unique features (bumper stickers, damage, tinted windows)
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Direction the car fled
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Driver description (if visible)
At the scene, collect:
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Photos of your vehicle from multiple angles
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Videos of the accident area
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Close-ups of skid marks, debris, or broken parts
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Road conditions, weather, and traffic signals
Talk to witnesses:
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Ask what they saw
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Get names and phone numbers
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Ask if they took photos or video
Check for cameras:
Look for:
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Store security cameras
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Gas stations
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Traffic lights
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Neighboring homes (doorbell cameras)
Video footage can make or break a hit-and-run case.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, always get checked by a hospital, urgent care, or primary doctor.
Why this matters:
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Hidden injuries get worse over time
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Medical records prove the crash caused your injuries
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Insurance companies may deny claims without prompt care
Make sure to keep:
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ER reports
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X-rays or imaging
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Doctor evaluations
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Discharge papers
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Medications and prescriptions
This documentation helps prove both injury severity and accident-related cause.
Read: Understanding Medical Expenses After a Crash
Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
Call your insurer as soon as possible. Provide:
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The police report number
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Photos and videos collected
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Witness information
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Any details about the fleeing driver
MOST states allow you to file a hit-and-run claim under:
✔ Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
This is the most common way victims get compensated.
✔ Collision Coverage
Pays for vehicle repairs regardless of who is at fault.
✔ Medical Payments Coverage
Helps pay for treatment even if the other driver is not found.
If you’re unsure which coverage applies, your insurance provider or a lawyer can explain your specific policy.
Understand Why Hit-and-Run Claims Are Treated Differently
Hit-and-run cases are more complicated than standard accidents because:
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There is no at-fault driver to contact
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Police may not locate the suspect
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Insurance companies investigate more aggressively
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Claims rely heavily on YOUR documentation
This makes your evidence, your timeline, and your organization extremely important.
If you need help building a strong claim, you may also want to read:
👉 How to Build a Strong Accident Claim From Day One
Keep All Costs and Records Organized
To maximize your compensation, you must track every expense tied to the accident.
Keep receipts, records, or documents for:
Medical Costs
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ER visits
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Follow-up appointments
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Imaging tests
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Medications
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Physical therapy
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Chiropractic care
Vehicle-Related Costs
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Repair estimates
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Rental car receipts
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Tow truck invoices
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Storage fees
Other Damages
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Lost wages
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Emotional distress symptoms
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Pain journal
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Missed work days
The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim becomes.
Understand Your Compensation Options
Depending on your insurance and the state you live in, you may be able to pursue compensation through:
✔ Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI)
Covers medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages.
✔ Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
Covers vehicle repairs (in states where available).
✔ Collision Coverage
Helps repair or replace your vehicle.
✔ Medical Payments (MedPay)
Helps cover treatment regardless of fault.
✔ Health Insurance
Covers medical bills (often after auto insurance is exhausted).
✔ State Crime Victim Funds
Some states help victims of criminal traffic offenses.
If the driver is found, you can pursue a claim directly against them—both insurance and legal.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Often Necessary in Hit-and-Run Cases
Hit-and-run claims are heavily scrutinized. Insurance companies may:
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Question your injuries
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Doubt that an accident happened
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Claim you lacked evidence
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Try to limit payouts
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Delay the claim hoping you give up
A skilled lawyer will:
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Collect and preserve key evidence
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Work with police to obtain camera footage
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Handle communication with insurers
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Calculate your full damages
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Prevent lowball offers
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Represent you if the case becomes difficult
If injuries are involved, legal help is almost always beneficial.
If you’re unsure when to hire one, read:
👉 Should I Get a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
What NOT to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Chasing the driver
This is extremely dangerous and harms your claim.
❌ Admitting fault or apologizing
Even “I’m sorry” can be twisted against you.
❌ Delaying medical care
Insurers will argue your injuries aren’t serious.
❌ Posting about the accident on social media
Insurance companies DO check your accounts.
❌ Throwing away damaged property
Broken glass, torn clothing, and damaged helmets are evidence.
Avoiding these mistakes protects your rights and strengthens your case.
Can You Still Get Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?
Yes.
Most victims receive compensation through:
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Uninsured motorist coverage
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Collision coverage
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Medical payments coverage
Even without identifying the driver, you can still file a claim and be compensated for:
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Medical bills
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Vehicle repairs
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Lost wages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
Conclusion
A hit-and-run accident is frightening, frustrating, and unfair—but it does NOT leave you without options. By taking the right steps immediately, gathering detailed evidence, seeking medical care, and understanding your insurance coverage, you can protect yourself and build a powerful claim.
Whether or not the fleeing driver is found, you still have legal rights. With organized documentation and, when necessary, the support of an experienced lawyer, you can pursue full compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and emotional trauma.
You don’t have to face a hit-and-run alone—knowledge, preparation, and evidence are your strongest tools during recovery.
Read: How Much Compensation Can You Get For Whiplash
Last edited: 12/10/2025 by James Carter
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