Hit-and-Run Accident Guide: What to Do When a Driver Flees the Scene

Hit-and-Run Accident Statistics

• In 2022, there were approximately 2,549 fatal hit-and-run crashes in the U.S. (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2022)
• Hit-and-run fatalities have increased 26% over the past decade (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
• Pedestrians and cyclists account for over 65% of hit-and-run fatalities — unprotected road users are disproportionately victimized (NHTSA)
• Urban areas account for 77% of hit-and-run crashes (NHTSA)
• A hit-and-run crash occurs approximately every 43 seconds in the U.S. (AAA Foundation)
• Only about 11% of fatal hit-and-run cases result in the driver being convicted (AAA Foundation research)

Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run

In the First 60 Seconds

1. Note the vehicle immediately: Before calling 911, take 10 seconds to memorize or write down everything you can — license plate (even partial), make, model, color, direction of travel, any damage or distinguishing features.
2. Call 911: Report the accident, your location, and the fleeing vehicle description. Request police and EMS.
3. Check yourself and others for injuries: Do not downplay pain — adrenaline masks injury.
4. Move to safety if possible: Get out of the roadway if you can do so without aggravating injuries.
5. Look for witnesses: Other drivers, pedestrians, or nearby businesses may have seen the crash or have dashcam footage.

Evidence to Gather at the Scene

Hit-and-run investigations depend heavily on physical evidence. The more you capture immediately, the better:

• Paint transfer: The fleeing vehicle may have left paint on your car — photograph it before anything is disturbed
• Vehicle parts: Broken headlight covers, grille pieces, bumper fragments — bag and preserve these; they can identify the vehicle
• Skid marks and debris field: Document the scene with photos before traffic disturbs it
• Surveillance cameras: Note nearby traffic cameras, ATMs, business cameras, and ring doorbells in the area — flag these for police
• Other dashcams: Ask other stopped drivers if they have dashcam footage
• Tire marks: Can indicate speed and direction of impact

Witness Information Is Critical

• Get names and phone numbers before witnesses leave the scene
• Ask if they saw the vehicle, direction of travel, or driver
• Ask if they have dashcam footage — many modern vehicles record continuously
• Note the license plates of vehicles that stopped to help — they can be contacted later

Reporting a Hit-and-Run

File a Police Report Immediately

A police report is mandatory for insurance claims after a hit-and-run. Do not skip this step:

• Call 911 at the scene — do not drive to the police station first
• Provide every detail you have about the fleeing vehicle
• Mention any surveillance cameras in the area — police may pull footage
• Get the report number and officer's name and badge number
• Request a copy of the full police report within 5–7 days

Report to Your Insurance Company

• Notify your insurer within 24 hours — most policies require prompt reporting
• Provide the police report number
• Do not accept fault or speculate about causes
• Ask specifically about your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage — this is the key coverage for hit-and-run

Insurance Coverage After a Hit-and-Run

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

This is the most important coverage for hit-and-run victims. When the at-fault driver cannot be identified, they are treated as an "uninsured motorist" by your policy:

• UM Bodily Injury: Covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term injury costs
• UM Property Damage: May cover vehicle damage — availability varies by state
• Stacking: In some states, you can "stack" UM limits across multiple vehicles on your policy
• Policy requirement: Most UM coverage requires you to report a physical contact hit-and-run — not just a swerve-and-miss

Collision Coverage

• Pays to repair or replace your vehicle regardless of fault
• Your deductible applies (typically $500–$1,000)
• Use this if you don't have UM property damage or if UM limits are lower
• Your rate may or may not increase — depends on insurer and state

MedPay and PIP

• MedPay (Medical Payments): Covers your medical bills and passengers' bills regardless of fault — useful for immediate treatment costs
• PIP (Personal Injury Protection): In no-fault states, covers medical bills, lost wages, and related expenses
• These are your first line of coverage while UM claims are being processed

Finding the Hit-and-Run Driver

How Police Investigations Work

• Investigators look for vehicle paint chips, broken parts, and damage patterns to identify make/model
• Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses and traffic systems is often the key
• License plate readers (LPRs) at intersections may have captured the fleeing vehicle
• Social media tips and crime tip lines sometimes identify drivers
• Body shop reports — some states require shops to report vehicles with recent suspicious damage

What You Can Do to Help

• Follow up with the detective assigned to your case — don't assume they'll call you
• Canvass nearby businesses yourself for surveillance footage (within 24–48 hours before footage is overwritten)
• Post in neighborhood apps (Nextdoor, Facebook groups) asking if anyone has dashcam footage
• Check for nearby ring doorbell cameras not on the police radar
• Provide investigators with the list of surveillance cameras you noted at the scene

Your Legal Rights and Options

If the Driver Is Identified

Once a hit-and-run driver is found, you have both criminal and civil options:

• Criminal prosecution: The DA pursues criminal charges — penalties range from misdemeanor to felony depending on injuries and state law
• Civil lawsuit: You file a civil suit for damages — medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, vehicle damage
• Insurance claim against their policy: Their auto liability insurance covers your damages
• Criminal conviction strengthens your civil case significantly

Hit-and-Run Penalties by Severity

• Property damage only: Misdemeanor in most states — fines, license suspension, possible jail time
• Injury accidents: Felony in most states — significant prison time, loss of license
• Fatal hit-and-run: Felony with penalties approaching vehicular manslaughter — up to 10+ years in many states
• Leaving the scene may be treated more harshly than the underlying accident itself

Statute of Limitations

The time limit to file a civil lawsuit for a hit-and-run varies by state — typically 2–3 years from the date of the accident. However:

• Your UM insurance claim has its own shorter reporting deadlines (often 30–90 days)
• If the driver is later identified, you may be able to file suit at that time in some states
• Consult an attorney early — don't wait on a UM claim hoping the driver will be found

View our state-by-state guides for specific statute of limitations and UM coverage requirements in your state.

When Your Parked Car Is Hit and the Driver Flees

Hit-and-run of a parked car is one of the most common scenarios. Your options:

• File a police report — required even for parked vehicle hit-and-runs to use UM property damage or collision coverage
• Check for paint transfer, broken parts, and debris — these can identify the vehicle
• Review nearby surveillance footage immediately — it overwrites quickly
• Use collision coverage if you have it (deductible applies)
• UM property damage coverage for parked cars is available in some states but often requires physical contact evidence

Frequently Asked Questions