What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

There are legal questions and insurance coverage issues when you've been in a hit-and-run accident. Shutterstock

It’s a nightmare that you never want to go through: Someone has collided with your car. But it’s even worse when they hit you—and then flee. Now there’s no one to hold accountable for damage or injury if you or your family are hurt.

There are legal questions and insurance coverage issues when you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident. There’s a lot to consider. So, what do you do when you’re the victim of a hit-and-run?

What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run?

In 2020, hit-and-runs resulted in 529,836 property damage crashes. That year also saw 236,433 injuries and 2,564 fatalities.

But hit-and-run crashes aren’t as black and white as you’d think.

It’s clear that when an at-fault party leaves the scene without providing any identification or aid to the other parties; that’s a hit-and-run.

However, many states consider single-vehicle accidents as hit-and-runs if the driver leaves the accident without reporting the accident.

For example, hitting something along the road, like a tree or guardrail, may be considered a hit-and-run. This also includes, for example, hitting a car in a parking lot.

If you run off the road to avoid hitting something, that could be a hit-and-run. Running off the road because you lost control or were distracted could also be a hit-and-run.

Many states have different definitions of what they consider a hit-and-run.

First Steps When Involved in a Hit-and-Run

The first and foremost thing you should do is assess your situation. Are you or your family hurt? That’s the most important thing. Try to stay calm and relax. If it’s safe, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.

Under no circumstances should you chase the party who is fleeing. It’s important to stay at the scene. Remember, it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident, and that includes you.

It’s also not safe to chase the person who hit you.

Instead of chasing, call 911. If you have crucial information such as the make, model, color, and license plate number of the fleeing car, let the police know. Also, let them know what direction they were going.

Document the scene as well as you can. If you have a smartphone, use it to take pictures of the damage.

But the most important thing is to call for medical help if necessary. Injuries may show up a few days later; document these for the insurance company.

Finally, when the dust has settled, contact your insurance company.

Auto Insurance and Hit-and-Runs

In a typical multi-vehicle car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for any property damages or medical expenses.

But it’s not as cut and dry when you’re in a hit-and-run accident. That’s because you don’t have the other driver’s details for your insurance provider. But despite that, you still have coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage (UMC) protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. It also protects you if you’re in a hit-and-run. There are two types of UMC: Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) covers medical bills for you and your passengers, and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) covers damage to your vehicle.

Uninsured motorist coverage is mandated in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Even if it’s not mandated, it is recommended to all drivers. Unfortunately, UMC isn’t available in every state.

But if you have UMC and are involved in a hit-and-run, you can file a claim under the uninsured motorist coverage.

Does UMC Include Hit-and-Run Accidents?

If a driver hits you and then flees, you can file a claim against your UMC for physical damage and medical expenses.

However, in some states, UMC will only cover bodily injury and, therefore, only pay medical expenses. But it will not cover the physical damage to your car. You will need collision coverage to pay for the damage.

Collision insurance covers you any time your car collides with another object. It pays no matter who is at fault but typically comes with a higher deductible and only pays for vehicle damage.

Do You Have a Deductible for a Hit-and-Run?

You will likely have a deductible to repair your vehicle. But deductibles vary by state and depend on the coverage you have.

If the driver who hit you is identified, your insurance company will go after them and their insurance company. This is called subrogation, and your insurer will recover your deductible.

Will a Hit-and-Run Increase Insurance Premium?

Whether your insurance premium increases depends on your carrier; if the accident was applied under the UMC, you may not have an increase. But this is no guarantee.

If the accident damages were paid under collision, you may have an increase. Collision coverage is designed to cover you when you are at fault in an accident. Even if it was a hit-and-run and you clearly were the innocent one, if it’s paid under your collision, you risk your premium increasing.

Hit-and-Run Coverage

Insurance for hit-and-run accidents can be confusing, and your coverage depends on your state’s insurance laws.

It’s advisable to check with your insurance agent to learn where coverage for a hit-and-run will come from.

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