Being struck by an unknown driver that drives off is one of the worst traffic offenses.
You’re left with damage, injuries, and questions… while the person responsible disappears into traffic.
But here’s the frightening thing. Hit-and-run accidents are occurring more frequently than ever before. In the United States, there is a new one every 43 seconds. That adds up to almost 2,000 hit-and-runs PER DAY. That’s one scary statistic!
The good news?
You do not have to just accept it. With the proper mindset you can be compensated, make someone pay, and recover quicker than you realize.
A hit and run accident: what you should know from the scene to your legal rights explained.
Let’s jump in!
Here’s what you’ll cover:
- What Counts As A Hit-And-Run Accident?
- Why Hit-And-Run Crashes Are On The Rise
- What To Do Right After A Hit-And-Run
- How To Recover Damages After A Hit-And-Run
- When To Bring In Car Accident Lawyers
What Counts As A Hit-And-Run Accident?
Hit and run basically means you hit another vehicle/person/object… and take off. No ID. No insurance card. Zippo.
Sounds simple, right? But the legal side is a bit more complicated.
All states mandate that drivers stop after an accident and exchange certain information. Virginia, for instance, takes this rule seriously. Individuals are required to:
- Stop right at (or near) the scene
- Share their name, address, and license details
- Help anyone who’s been hurt
- Report the crash to local or state police
When a driver fails to take any of these steps, it becomes a serious matter immediately. Experienced Virginia car accident attorneys handle these situations daily as there are many pitfalls during the recovery process. Hit and run accidents combine criminal law elements with traffic law and personal injury law. For this reason, most victims seek representation from skilled car accident attorneys.
Why Hit-And-Run Crashes Are On The Rise
Hit-and-run accidents used to be rare… but not anymore.
14.5% of all crashes contained a hit-and-run driver in 2022, up from 12.1% in 2019. Large increase in just 3 years.
Why are the numbers climbing?
There are a few reasons researchers point to:
- More uninsured drivers on the road
- A spike in distracted driving (mostly thanks to phones)
- More impaired and drunk drivers
- Drivers panicking because they don’t have a valid license
And penalties aren’t improving outcomes either. Nearly 7% of fatal crashes now include a hit-and-run driver. Pedestrians and cyclists are most affected — they account for most hit-and-run fatalities.
That’s why having car accident lawyers in your corner matters more than ever.
What To Do Right After A Hit-And-Run
The next few minutes after a hit-and-run are the most important.
Everything you do in this window can help you or hurt you. Follow this quick guide if you ever find yourself….
1. Stay Put And Stay Safe
Do not follow the other driver. Instead, pull over to a safe location and check yourself (and any passengers) for injuries.
2. Call 911
Call the police even if the damage appears minor. A police report can be one of your strongest pieces of evidence in a hit-and-run claim.
3. Write Down Everything You Remember
Try to recall anything you can about the fleeing driver:
- License plate number (even part of it helps)
- Make, model, and colour of the car
- Direction they drove off in
- Any details about the driver themselves
4. Find Witnesses
Survey the area for witnesses. Ask them for their name and number immediately.
5. Take Photos
Take pictures of your car, the scene, roadway, and debris/damage left behind. The more documentation you have the better.
The easier time police and car accident attorneys will have finding the person who hit you, the more information you gather.
How To Recover Damages After A Hit-And-Run
Here’s the toughest part of hit-and-run cases…
What happens if the driver is never caught?
It’s a stressful thought, but you actually have a few solid options.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is included in most auto insurance policies. If a driver cannot be located or is uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage will apply.
It can cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Car repairs (in many states)
However, it’s not always simple to file this type of claim. Insurance companies will often try to low-ball you or deny your claim. Experienced car accident attorneys can step in and fight for you.
Filing A Civil Claim
You can file suit directly against the driver if he is apprehended by police. Many state courts allow larger judgments against individuals who flee the scene of an accident.
A good car accident lawyer will:
- Gather evidence
- Track down witnesses
- Work alongside the police
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Take your case to court if needed
Choosing the right attorney can make or break your financial recovery.
When To Bring In Car Accident Lawyers
So when should you actually call a lawyer?
Honestly… as soon as possible.
Hit-and-run accidents can go from clean to confusing quickly. Insurance companies will begin crafting their narrative immediately. Waiting too long to act can damage your claim.
Car accident lawyers can help with:
- Working with the police to find the driver
- Filing claims with your insurance company
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Handling all the paperwork and deadlines
- Suing the driver once they’re identified
The earlier you call, the stronger your case becomes.
Final Thoughts
Hit-and-run accidents are stressful… but they don’t have to leave you broke and broken.
Here’s the reality: you have more options than most people know. With uninsured motorist coverage, civil claims and the right legal team behind you, you can recover damages even if the driver disappears.
To quickly recap what you need to do:
- Stay safe and call the police
- Gather as much evidence as possible
- File an insurance claim quickly
- Talk to a qualified car accident lawyer
Hurry up. The earlier you claim your rights, the more you can get back.
