Hit And Run Lawyer: Guide To Your Legal Options (Apr 2025)

Hit and Run Accident Defined

A “hit and run” accident occurs when an involved driver leaves the scene without stopping or providing aid to others injured in the accident. The accident could involve other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, or property damage. In fact, even hitting a parked car and leaving can still qualify as a hit and run in many states - and may result in legal consequences. More broadly, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in all states, and when someone is injured, it can be charged as a felony.

Unfortunately, hit and run accidents can have serious consequences. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, one recent year saw nearly 3,000 fatalities involving hit and run drivers.

What Should I Do After a Hit and Run?

Being involved in an accident is stressful, and you may not know what to do if the other driver leaves abruptly. Taking these steps can help you protect your legal rights after a hit and run accident.

• Prioritize safety. If you are able, move to a safe location away from traffic to avoid further accidents or injuries.
• Contact the police. Report the accident to the police as soon as you can. Be sure to share any information about the fleeing driver and vehicle while it is still fresh in your mind.
• Seek medical care. It’s a good idea to see a medical professional after a car accident, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. Some car accident injuries may not be noticeable right away.
• Notify your insurance. Report the accident to your insurance right away to start a claim. If the fleeing driver cannot be located, you may still be able to gain compensation through your insurance.
• Document the scene. If you are able, take photos of where the accident occurred, your vehicle, and any injuries. Even if there is no visible damage, collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
• Keep records. Your medical bills, treatment records, and communications related to the accident may all be valuable later in a legal case.
• Consult a hit and run victim attorney. A qualified personal injury lawyer familiar with hit and run accidents can help you evaluate your options and seek compensation if the fleeing driver is identified. Fill out the form on this page to connect with a hit and run accident lawyer near you.

What Are the Penalties for Fleeing the Scene of an Accident?

Drivers involved in car accidents are generally expected to stay on the scene. In almost every state, fleeing an accident scene is a crime. Typically, it’s a misdemeanor, but charges may be more severe if the driver flees after causing injury or death.

Depending on the location and the circumstances of the crash, fleeing the scene of an accident could result in penalties like these:

• Fines
• Jail time
• Community service
• Probation
• License suspension

When a driver flees an accident scene, they may find themselves in far more legal trouble than if they had stayed. They could face both criminal charges for fleeing and a civil lawsuit from the injured person.

Determining Fault After a Hit and Run Accident

In a typical car accident lawsuit, compensation is often sought from the at-fault driver or their insurance provider. Things are more therefore more challenging when the responsible driver is unknown. Police may be able to apprehend the person responsible, so it is in your best interest to cooperate with their investigation and share any evidence you have gathered.

If the other driver cannot be identified, then you may still be able to receive compensation through your own insurance provider. This is why it is important to notify your insurer right away, even if you were not at fault for the car accident.

What Insurance Covers Hit and Run Accidents?

The type of insurance that covers a hit and run depends on your state’s insurance laws and what kind of coverage you have. Some common examples include:

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for property damage and medical care if the driver who hit you has no insurance. However, you can also file a claim under this coverage in the event of a hit and run.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

If you’re in a no-fault state, you may be required to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This kind of insurance usually pays for medical care regardless of fault.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance pays to repair or replace your car regardless of who was at fault for the damage.

How Can a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Help?

After a hit and run accident, you may feel shaken and unsure of the best path forward. A qualified lawyer can help you in several ways, including:

• Navigating insurance. If the other driver cannot be identified, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance. A lawyer can help make sure you provide all necessary documentation to support your claim and maximize compensation.
• Filing a lawsuit. If the other driver is identified, then a lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. Compensation through a lawsuit can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Providing guidance. Throughout the process, your lawyer can provide legal advice and help you understand your rights.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hit and run accident, don't hesitate to seek legal advice to protect your rights, as navigating the steps to reach a settlement without a lawyer can be challenging.

Can a Lawyer Help Find the Hit and Run Driver?

After a hit and run accident, the police may investigate to try to find the responsible driver. A skilled car accident attorney might also be able to help.

Attorneys use many of the same investigation tactics police officers use. For example, a lawyer may attempt to locate traffic camera or surveillance footage of the crash. They may also visit the crash site to look for accident debris that could indicate the make and model of the other car.

If your lawyer locates the driver, you might file a lawsuit against the driver or their insurance company to recover compensation. If the driver remains elusive, your lawyer may be able to help you file an insurance claim against your own policy.

How Can I Find a Hit and Run Lawyer Near Me?

ConsumerShield takes the guesswork out of finding the best hit and run lawyer. We understand the role the legal system plays in recovering fair compensation for your injuries, and can connect you with a lawyer quickly to evaluate your case. Fill out the form on this page to get help today.