Getting injured in a car accident is stressful enough, but when the at-fault driver speeds off and disappears, the situation becomes even more frustrating. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often feel helpless and are unsure how they’ll pay for medical bills, fix their damaged vehicle, or get justice when the responsible driver can’t be found.
Fortunately, the law provides multiple ways for victims to seek compensation. While recovering damages from a hit-and-run may be more complex than a typical collision, it’s not impossible.
The experienced car accident attorneys at Titan Law can help.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run happens when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene of the accident without providing contact information, giving aid, or waiting for the police. In many cases, the fleeing driver causes serious injuries or property damage and leaves before they can be identified.
Some may panic due to outstanding warrants, lack of insurance, or intoxication. Regardless of their motive, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in all fifty states.
Victims can suffer both physical and financial harm. Medical expenses, lost wages, car repairs, and emotional distress quickly pile up. When the at-fault driver is unknown, securing financial compensation becomes more complicated but not impossible.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
The moments after a hit-and-run accident are critical. If you’re physically able, call 911 and report the crash. Law enforcement will arrive to take a report, and paramedics can assess your injuries. Try to remember and document as much as you can about the fleeing vehicle—its make, model, color, license plate digits, or direction of travel. Even partial information can help investigators.
Look around to see if anyone witnessed the incident. Eyewitness accounts or surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or homes can offer valuable leads. Once you’ve received medical attention, follow up with the police for updates on their investigation.
The more evidence you gather early on, the better your chances of identifying the driver and building a strong insurance claim.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Helps
In many hit-and-run cases, police are unable to locate the fleeing driver. When that happens, your best option may be to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy, specifically through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is meant to protect you if the at-fault driver is uninsured or unknown.
Uninsured motorist coverage can compensate you for your medical costs, lost or reduced income, pain and suffering, and any other related damages up to the limits of your policy. If you also carry uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), that can help repair or replace your vehicle.
These types of claims do not count against you as an at-fault driver, so your premiums typically won’t increase as a result.
Not all states require UM coverage, but many insurers include it unless you explicitly decline. If you don’t know whether you have it, take a look at your policy or talk to your insurer. Adding UM coverage can be a smart move if you want extra protection against unpredictable drivers.
Filing a Claim Against the Hit-and-Run Driver
If the police identify the hit-and-run driver, you can file a claim against their insurance, just as you would in a standard accident. You’ll need to show that they were at fault, which is usually straightforward in a hit-and-run scenario. The act of fleeing the scene itself often implies negligence or guilt.
Once their insurer is involved, you’ll work through the claims process to seek reimbursement for your losses. If they are underinsured, your own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may cover the gap.
If the driver doesn’t have insurance, you can sue them directly but collecting compensation from an uninsured or financially insolvent person can be difficult. In some cases, though, a lawsuit may be the only way to recover what you’re owed.
A personal injury attorney can help discover whether the driver has sufficient assets or income to satisfy a court judgment.
Using Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits
In no-fault states like Florida, you may have access to personal injury protection (PIP) coverage regardless of who caused the crash. PIP pays for a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident. Although PIP doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering, it can help cover immediate costs while you explore other options for full recovery.
Even if you plan to file a UM or liability claim, using PIP first can prevent financial strain while your case progresses. Some states require you to exhaust PIP before pursuing a bodily injury claim, so be sure to understand how your state’s laws apply.
Documenting Your Damages
Recovering compensation—whether through your own insurer or someone else’s—requires strong documentation. From the moment the crash occurs, keep records of every expense, including hospital bills, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and time missed from work. Maintain a journal describing your pain, emotional distress, and how your injuries affect your daily life.
If your car was damaged, get multiple repair estimates and take photos of the vehicle. These details provide the evidence you need to negotiate with insurers or support a lawsuit. Even in a hit-and-run case, solid documentation can strengthen your chances of receiving fair compensation.
When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
While some hit-and-run victims can handle minor claims on their own, many benefit from hiring a personal injury attorney, especially in cases involving serious injuries, liability disputes, or uncooperative insurance companies.
An experienced car accident attorney can deal with all contact with insurers, gather key evidence, and help you explore all available compensation sources.
In complex situations, such as when multiple parties are involved or when your insurer undervalues your UM claim, a lawyer becomes a critical advocate.
Statute of Limitations and Deadlines
Don’t wait too long to act after a hit-and-run accident. Every state sets deadlines—known as a statute of limitations—for filing lawsuits or claims. This deadline will often vary based on the type of claim and whether the driver was identified.
In some cases, insurance companies also have shorter deadlines for reporting UM claims. Failing to act on time can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation.
Talking to a lawyer early on ensures that you don’t miss critical deadlines and allows enough time to investigate your case properly. Delays can make it harder to locate evidence or witnesses, and insurers may become skeptical if you wait too long.
At Titan Law, we understand that a hit-and-run accident may leave you feeling powerless, but legal and insurance systems provide several paths to financial recovery. Whether the driver is identified or remains unknown, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
Acting quickly, gathering evidence, and understanding your insurance coverage are crucial first steps.
And if the situation becomes too complex to handle on your own, our qualified personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the process with confidence.
Give us a call today.
