Hit and Run Accident: What to Do When the Driver Flees
A hit and run accident adds insult to injury. Not only are you dealing with physical harm, but the responsible party has fled the scene. The good news: you may still have options for compensation even if the driver is never identified.
Immediate Steps After a Hit and Run
Stay at the scene and call 911. Try to remember and write down: the vehicle's make, model, color, and any partial license plate numbers. Note the direction the driver fled. Look for witnesses and ask if anyone captured video. Check nearby businesses for surveillance cameras. Do not chase the fleeing driver.
How Police Find Hit and Run Drivers
Law enforcement uses traffic cameras, surveillance footage, license plate readers, paint transfer analysis, vehicle debris identification, and witness descriptions. Report every detail you remember, no matter how minor. Many hit and run drivers are caught within days or weeks.
Getting Compensation Without Finding the Driver
If the driver isn't found, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can pay for your injuries. UM coverage is mandatory in some states and optional in others. This is why adequate UM coverage is essential. Your attorney can also explore other avenues like crime victim compensation funds.
Criminal vs. Civil Consequences
Hit and run is a criminal offense in every state, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on injury severity. The criminal case is separate from your civil injury claim. Even if the driver faces criminal charges, you still need to pursue a separate civil claim for compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the penalties for hit and run?
Penalties vary by state and injury severity. They can range from misdemeanor charges with fines to felony charges with years of prison time, especially if serious injuries or death occurred.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a hit and run claim?
In most states, your rates should not increase for filing an uninsured motorist claim after a hit and run, since you were not at fault.
How long do police investigate hit and runs?
Active investigation typically lasts a few weeks, but cases remain open until the statute of limitations expires. New evidence (like camera footage) can crack cases months or years later.
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