Hit and Run Accidents: What To Do, How to Get Compensation

QUICK TAKEAWAYS2

• Hit and Run Accidents or Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime—you still have legal rights even if the other driver is never found.

• Always call 911 and get a police report; it is the core of your claim.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is usually the primary source of compensation in hit and run cases.

• Delay in seeking medical care can reduce your settlement—get checked immediately.

• Insurance companies commonly deny hit and run claims without strong evidence and legal pressure.

• Find a Personal Injury Lawyer right away, you can talk to us in Edvin Law.

Hit and Run Accidents: What To Do, How to Get Compensation, and When to Call an Attorney

By Edvin Jones, Personal Injury Attorney

A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling shocked, angry, and completely unsure of your next steps. One moment everything is normal—then suddenly your car is damaged, you are in pain, and the person responsible has disappeared. Many victims assume there is no hope for compensation if the other driver flees. That is not true.

Even when the at-fault driver is never found, the law still protects you, and you may be eligible for full financial recovery. This guide explains exactly what to do immediately after a hit and run, what insurance coverage may apply, common tricks used by insurance companies, and when you should call an attorney.

1. What Counts as a Hit and Run?

A hit and run occurs when a driver causes a crash and leaves without providing:

• Name

• Contact information

• Insurance information

• License plate or vehicle details

This includes:

• A driver hitting your car and speeding away

• A driver hitting you as a pedestrian or cyclist and fleeing

• Someone hitting a parked car and leaving no note

• A driver causing severe injuries and escaping the scene

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. You are not responsible for chasing down the driver. The law, insurance coverage, and an attorney can protect you.

2. What To Do Immediately After a Hit and Run

Your actions in the first few minutes and hours can make or break your claim. Insurance companies often try to deny hit-and-run cases, so strong evidence is critical.

Stay calm and move to safety

If you are injured, limit movement to avoid worsening your condition.

Call 911 right away

A police report is the single most important document in a hit-and-run claim. It proves:

• The accident happened

• The other driver fled

• The time and location are legitimate

Without a police report, insurance adjusters usually argue there was no real hit and run.

Look for witnesses

Ask if anyone:

• Saw the crash

• Saw the fleeing vehicle

• Took photos

• Recorded video

• Noted the license plate

Collect names and phone numbers.

Take photos and video

Document everything, including:

• Your injuries

• Damage to your car

• Broken vehicle parts on the road

• Skid marks

• The surrounding area

• Any businesses or homes with cameras nearby

Check for surveillance cameras

Gas stations, convenience stores, traffic lights, and doorbell cameras may have recorded the crash. Your attorney or police can request footage.

Seek medical care immediately

Many injuries—especially whiplash, concussions, back injuries, and soft tissue damage—show up hours later. Insurance companies use delayed treatment to argue:

• “You weren’t really hurt.”

• “Something else caused the injury.”

• “You’re exaggerating.”

A medical record protects your claim and your health.

3. How Hit and Run Claims Work

Many victims think they cannot recover money without identifying the driver. Fortunately, that’s not how the law works.

A. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

This is the number one source of compensation in hit and run cases. It can pay for:

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent injuries

• Future medical care

• Property damage (in some policies)

If you have full coverage, you likely have UM/UIM.

B. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

MedPay pays for your medical care regardless of fault.
It can cover:

• ER visits

• Ambulance bills

• Chiropractic care

• Physical therapy

C. Collision Coverage

This pays to repair or replace your vehicle—even when the driver flees.

D. Liability Claim if the Driver Is Found

If police locate the driver:

• A claim can be filed against their insurance

• A lawsuit can be filed if their insurance is insufficient

4. Common Problems in Hit and Run Claims

Insurance companies often aggressively push back against hit and run victims.
Common tactics include:

• Claiming “there was no real hit and run”

• Arguing you caused your own injuries

• Saying there is not enough proof

• Blaming the weather or road conditions

• Using delayed treatment against you

• Offering a very low settlement early

Hit and run claims succeed when:

• Evidence is strong

• Medical care is documented

• Communication with insurance is strategic

• An attorney prevents the insurance company from twisting your statements

5. Should You File a Hit and Run Claim Without an Attorney?

You can—but it is risky. Insurance companies see unrepresented victims as easy targets.

Filing alone may cause:

• Low settlement offers

• Claim denial

• Long delays

• Recorded statements used against you

• Misunderstanding of policy details

• Loss of valuable evidence

Insurance companies know you have no other driver to blame, so they try to minimize your claim. An attorney reverses that pressure.

6. When To Call a Lawyer Immediately

Call an attorney if:

• You are injured

• Your vehicle has major damage

• You were a pedestrian or cyclist

• The driver was not found

• The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim

• You received a low offer

• You need help accessing medical treatment

• You’re confused about which insurance applies

A lawyer dramatically increases the value of your claim and protects you from insurance company tactics.

7. How Attorney Edvin Jones Helps Hit and Run Victims

I represent hit-and-run victims in Nevada, California, and Arizona, ensuring they receive:

• Proper medical care

• Full compensation

• Protection from insurance tactics

• Aggressive representation

• Help gathering evidence and locating surveillance

You are not alone. You do not have to fight the insurance company without support.

📞 702-337-3430
🌐 edvin.law
📩 info@edvin.law

I will guide you, protect your rights, and pursue every dollar available to you under the law.

SUMMARY

Hit-and-run accidents create confusion, stress, and fear — but victims still have strong legal protections. Quick action, proper documentation, medical treatment, and an attorney’s guidance dramatically increase the value of your claim. Even if the fleeing driver is never identified, multiple insurance coverages may compensate you. Attorney Edvin Jones helps victims in Nevada, California, and Arizona secure medical care and recover full compensation.

5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1. Can I get compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?

Yes. Most victims recover compensation through their own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, MedPay, or collision insurance.

2. Is a police report required for a hit and run claim?

Absolutely. Without a police report, insurance companies often deny claims or argue there wasn’t a real hit and run.

3. What if there were no witnesses?

You can still file a claim. Photos, video, vehicle damage, and nearby surveillance footage often provide enough proof.

4. Should I talk to the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?

It’s risky. Adjusters often twist statements to minimize payouts. Speaking with an attorney first protects your case.

5. How long do I have to file a hit and run claim?

Deadlines vary by state, but the safest path is to report immediately and contact an attorney as soon as possible.