Any car accident has the capacity to leave you shaken, injured and unsure what to do next – and that’s doubly true when the other driver suddenly speeds away.
The moments after a hit-and-run collision are stressful, to be sure, but the next steps you take can ultimately make a big difference to your health, your insurance claim and any future legal case. Here’s what you need to know to protect your rights and come out of the situation as best as possible:
Stay where you are
Do not chase the fleeing driver. Pursuits can be dangerous and can put you (and others) in danger. The best thing you can do is to remain at the scene, call 911, and start documenting. No matter how frustrating the situation, don’t engage the other driver.
Make safety your priority
Before anything else, make yourself as safe as possible. Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights, and – if you have them – place cones or flares a safe distance behind your vehicle.
Get first responders to the scene
When you call 911 to report the crash, request medical help. Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline can hide serious injuries like concussions, internal bleeding and soft-tissue damage that might only show up after a few hours.
Take down every detail you remember
Small details solve cases. As soon as you’re able, grab your phone and leave yourself a voice message or written note that includes everything you can recall about the other vehicle and driver. Even partial information helps investigators and insurers connect the dots later.
Helpful specifics to include are:
- The other vehicle’s license plate number (even a partial sequence)
- The other vehicle’s make, model, color and distinguishing features (like bumper stickers, roof racks or after-market hubcaps)
- The direction the other driver went and their last seen location
- The other driver’s appearance or clothing
- The exact time of the crash and the weather and lighting conditions
If there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements often fill in gaps and can corroborate your account – and people who stay on the scene can be surprisingly willing to assist the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
Get as many photographs as you can
Your phone is your best tool. If you can, grab it and take photos from different angles of:
- Skid marks, scattered debris and broken glass from the vehicles
- Street signs, traffic lights and lane markings where the accident occurred
- Your vehicle’s damage from multiple angles around the exterior
- Your vehicle’s inner area, especially if the airbag has deployed
- Any visible injuries you may have
Try to capture the broader environment – such as nearby intersections, storefronts and the neighborhood – because that can help the police locate surveillance cameras later. If your car has a dashcam, preserve that footage immediately so that you can turn it over to the police.
Make your report to the police
The police will facilitate this once they arrive. A formal report creates a critical paper trail. Tell the responding officer what happened and share every detail you recorded. Ask how to obtain the report number and a copy once it’s available.
Notify your insurer promptly
Most auto insurance policies require “prompt notice” of accidents, especially if you’ll be using uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. When you call your insurer, stick to the facts you know – not guesses. If you’re injured, let them know you’re seeking medical care. Choose your words carefully and decline to give recorded statements until you understand your coverage (and, ideally, have spoken with an attorney.)
Find out more about your coverage
Many drivers have to turn to their own insurance for financial recovery after a hit-and-run accident. You should inquire about whether your policy includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This coverage can help with injuries and sometimes property damage. Collision coverage, too, can be helpful, since it typically covers vehicle repairs after a wreck, minus your deductible. Review your policy or ask your agent which coverages apply. Keep all letters, emails, and claim numbers in one place.
See a doctor and follow the treatment plan
Medical care is important to your overall well-being and a key part of any personal injury claim. Tell your doctor that your injuries are from a hit-and-run crash. That will generally be noted in your records, which then ties your injuries to the crash. Follow through with whatever referrals, imaging, physical therapy and medications the doctor orders. If you try to “tough it out,” insurers may argue your injuries are minor or unrelated to the crash.
Track your expenses and the impact of the wreck
Create a simple file for everything crash-related, including:
- Your medical bills, prescriptions and mileage to appointments
- Body shop estimates, towing and rental car costs
- Pay stubs or employer notes documenting your lost work
- A journal describing your pain levels, sleep issues, activity limits and the emotional aspect of your recovery
These details help quantify damages that aren’t obvious from photos alone.
Finally, the sooner you get legal guidance, the better. An attorney can intervene with your insurer to protect your UM/UIM rights, help quickly secure time-sensitive video and witness statements and help you make an effective claim.