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Being involved in a car accident is a scary experience. Discovering that the other driver has fled the scene can make it even more stressful. If you're the victim of a hit-and-run collision, you should first make sure you and your passengers are safe. Then be sure to report the accident to police and document the damage to help with filing an insurance claim.
A hit-and-run is a collision where at least one driver leaves the scene without reporting the crash to police or exchanging information with anyone else involved. Hit-and-runs can occur when a car impacts another vehicle, property (such as a telephone pole or fence) or a person (such as a cyclist or pedestrian).
In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, there were over 850,000 hit-and-run collisions nationwide, 2,854 of which involved fatalities, the National Highway Transportation Administration reports. Even if a hit-and-run only damages your vehicle—as was the case in over 77% of hit-and—runs in 2022—it can still be traumatic. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of the accident can ease your anxiety.
7 Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run
Here's what to do after a hit-and-run.
1. Check for Injuries
Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Not all injuries are visible, so ask about pain and watch for signs such as dizziness or confusion. Unless it's absolutely necessary to avoid further harm, do not move anyone who may have suffered spinal injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs emergency medical assistance.
2. Get to Safety
If possible, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic. If your car isn't driveable or you can't safely get off the road, use your hazard lights or emergency flares to alert other drivers. You can exit the car and find a safe place to stand on side of the road if conditions allow. If it seems safer to stay in the car, however, do that.
3. Look for Witnesses
Gather names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident. Ideally, they'll be willing to stay and talk to the police, but if they can't, collecting this information will help your insurance company and the police follow up with witnesses.
4. Call 911 to Report the Accident
In many states, you're legally required to report a car accident if someone is injured or if the damage is over a specific dollar amount. Even if the damage seems minor, it's better to err on the side of caution and report the incident. In addition, insurance companies typically require a police report when filing a claim for a hit-and-run.
5. Collect Information
While you wait for the police, document as much as you can about the accident. Jot down a note to describe what you saw of the hit-and-run driver and their vehicle. The vehicle's color, make, model, license plate and other identifying characteristics may help the police find the driver. Also record the time of day, weather, traffic conditions, location and any other information you think might be useful.
If you can safely do so, take photos or videos of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries to yourself or your passengers. Documenting the surroundings can also be helpful; photos or videos of street signs, road hazards or weather can all provide evidence of road conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
It's generally wise to contact your insurer as quickly as possible so you don't forget important details of the hit-and-run. Plus, the sooner you file your claim, the faster you can get it resolved and get back on the road. Some states or insurance carriers also limit how long you can wait to file an insurance claim, so be sure not to miss your window.
You can usually file a car insurance claim by phone, online or using your insurance company's mobile app. A claims adjuster assigned to your claim will review the evidence, such as the police report and your photos, assess the damage to your car and determine repair costs.
7. Report the Accident to the Motor Vehicle Department
Some states require reporting an accident involving injury or property damage to the state motor vehicle department within a certain time. Ask the police if you need to do this; in some locations, the police may handle it for you.
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Does Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run?
Depending on the kind of coverage you have and the laws in your state, your car insurance may cover a hit-and-run. Here are some of the types of car insurance that may protect you.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) insurance covers your expenses in an accident caused by a driver without liability insurance, and can also cover a hit-and-run. There are two kinds of uninsured motorist coverage. UM bodily injury insurance covers medical costs if you or your passengers are injured; it may also pay lost wages if the injury prevents you from working. UM property damage insurance covers damage to your vehicle or other property. You'll generally pay a deductible when filing a UM property damage claim, but there's usually no deductible for a UM bodily injury claim.
Collision Coverage
Collision insurance pays to repair damage to your vehicle due to a collision, regardless of who caused it. If your car is financed or leased, your lender or leasing company typically requires you to carry collision coverage. However, collision coverage isn't required if your car is paid off, so confirm that you have it before filing a claim and be aware you'll have to pay your deductible.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, also known as no-fault insurance, pays medical costs for you and your passengers due to an accident, no matter who is at fault. In some states, PIP also covers loss of income and other costs, such as child care, that you and your passengers may face while recovering from your injuries. PIP is required in some states and optional in others, so check to see if your policy includes this coverage and whether there's a deductible.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Sometimes called MedPay, medical payments coverage pays medical expenses for you and any passengers injured in a car accident, including a hit-and-run. In addition to medical care, MedPay may cover health insurance deductibles and copays, which can be useful if your health insurance copays or deductibles are high. Purchasing MedPay is generally optional, although some states require it.
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Protect Yourself From Hit-and-Run Accidents
Driving defensively and staying alert to your environment can help you spot and avoid potentially dangerous drivers. Although it won't prevent accidents, a dashboard camera can help expedite the claims process by providing valuable evidence. Claims adjusters can use dash cam footage to determine responsibility in a crash. Recordings of the hit-and-run vehicle can help police track down the driver.
Car insurance can cushion the financial blow of a hit-and-run accident by helping to cover car repairs, medical costs and other accident-related expenses. Check with your insurance company to make sure you have the coverage you need in case of a hit-and-run. Experian's car insurance marketplace gathers quotes from dozens of top insurance companies at once, helping you compare car insurance options and find the coverage you need at the right price.