Being hit by a driver who drives away is frightening and frustrating. You may wonder who will pay for your injuries if the driver is never found. The good news: you often still have options, especially if you act quickly.
Immediate steps
- Get to safety and call 911. Report the hit-and-run and any injuries. Don’t chase the other driver.
- Write down what you remember. The car’s make, model, color, partial license plate, damage, direction it went and anything about the driver. Do it right away, before details fade.
- Look for witnesses. Ask anyone nearby what they saw and get their contact information.
- Look for cameras. Note businesses, homes with doorbell cameras, traffic cameras and other drivers with dashcams.
- Photograph everything. Your vehicle or bike, debris left behind (paint, broken parts), the scene and your injuries.
- Get medical care. Even if you feel okay, get checked within a day or two.
Report it to the police, quickly
A police report is essential in a hit-and-run. Many insurance policies require that a hit-and-run be reported to police within a short window, sometimes 24 hours, for uninsured motorist coverage to apply. Get the report number and the investigating officer’s name.
How uninsured motorist coverage helps
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is part of your own auto policy. In most states, it covers injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver who can’t be identified, as well as drivers with no insurance.
UM coverage may pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Some states also allow uninsured motorist property damage coverage for your car. Check your policy, and report the claim to your insurer as soon as possible.
Were you walking or biking? If you have auto insurance, your UM coverage may still protect you as a pedestrian or cyclist. A household member’s policy may also apply.
If the driver is found
If police identify the driver, you can file a claim against their insurance like any other accident. Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries is a crime in every state, which can strengthen your claim.
Your own policy is still an insurance claim
Even though it’s your insurer, a UM claim works like a claim against another driver: your insurance company will evaluate your injuries and may try to pay less. The same cautions apply. See dealing with insurance after an accident.
When to talk to a lawyer
A lawyer can be especially helpful in a hit-and-run to:
- Track down footage and witnesses before they disappear
- Identify every policy that might apply (yours, a household member’s, an employer’s)
- Handle a UM claim against your own insurer
Printable hit-and-run checklist
- Call 911 and report the hit-and-run
- Write down every detail about the car and driver
- Get witness contact information
- Note every nearby camera
- Photograph damage, debris and injuries
- Get medical care
- Get the police report number
- Report to your insurer and ask about UM coverage
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Frequently asked questions
Who pays if a hit-and-run driver is never found?
Usually your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it. Depending on your state and policy, MedPay or personal injury protection may also cover medical bills.
How soon do I need to report a hit-and-run?
As soon as possible. Many policies require a police report within a short time, sometimes 24 hours, for uninsured motorist coverage to apply.
Does uninsured motorist coverage apply if I was walking?
In many cases, yes. UM coverage often follows you as a pedestrian or cyclist. Check your policy or ask your insurer.
Will a UM claim raise my rates?
In many states, insurers can't raise your rates for a not-at-fault UM claim, but rules vary. Ask your insurer or check your state's rules.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. Talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.