Hit-and-Run: Don't Panic — Act Strategically
A hit-and-run is terrifying. One moment you're driving normally, the next your car is damaged, you may be injured, and the responsible driver is gone. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, approximately 737,000 hit-and-run crashes occur annually in the United States, resulting in over 2,000 deaths. Roughly 11% of all police-reported crashes involve a hit-and-run.
The good news: even if the driver who hit you is never found, you likely have legal options for compensation. Here are the 7 critical steps to take immediately.
Step 1: Stay at the Scene and Call 911
Never chase the fleeing vehicle — it's dangerous and illegal in most states. Pull over safely, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 immediately. A police report is essential documentation for your insurance claim. Give the dispatcher as much detail as possible about the fleeing vehicle: make, model, color, license plate (even a partial), direction of travel, and any distinguishing features.
Step 2: Document Everything
While waiting for police, document the scene: photograph your vehicle damage from multiple angles, photograph the road (skid marks, debris, paint transfer), note the exact time and location, and record a voice memo describing what happened while details are fresh.
Step 3: Look for Witnesses and Cameras
Canvass the area for witnesses — other drivers, pedestrians, nearby business employees. Get their names and phone numbers. Look for surveillance cameras on nearby businesses, traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, and dashcam footage from other vehicles. This footage is often the key to identifying the fleeing driver.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention
Get examined even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (concussions, internal bleeding, soft tissue damage) don't show symptoms for hours or days. Medical records linking your injuries to the accident are critical evidence.
Step 5: File a Police Report
Ensure the responding officer files a formal report. Get the report number and the officer's name and badge number. Follow up with the police department for updates on the investigation.
Step 6: Contact Your Own Insurance Company
If the hit-and-run driver is never identified, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is your primary source of compensation. Most auto policies include UM coverage (it's mandatory in many states). UM coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering — just as if the at-fault driver had insurance.
Step 7: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
A hit-and-run attorney can: help identify the fleeing driver using police resources, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence; pursue your UM/UIM insurance claim; negotiate with your own insurance company (which may try to minimize your claim); and pursue the driver civilly if they're identified. Bond Legal handles hit-and-run cases nationwide. Call (866) 423-7724 for a free consultation.
