If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may be wondering: can you get money from a hit-and-run? The answer is yes in many cases, but the path to compensation depends on several critical factors.
In this article, you will learn the insurance options, legal rights, steps to take, timeline,e and realistic settlement expectations for hit-and-run scenarios in the U.S.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or provide assistance as required under state law.
This can leave the victim unsure of who caused the damage or whether any insurance will respond. The flight of the at-fault driver complicates both police investigation and the insurance claims.
Why Compensation Is Still Possible
Even when the driver disappears, you can often seek compensation through other channels. One major route is your own insurance policy via uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or collision coverage.
Another route is a legal claim if the driver is located. Because you did not cause the crash, you still have rights even though the at-fault party fled the scene.
Insurance Coverage That Matters
You’ll want to examine three key types of insurance coverage:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: This covers you when the other driver is at fault but either has no insurance or cannot be identified. Many states allow you to tap this when the other driver flees.
- Collision coverage: If your vehicle is damaged in a hit-and-run, collision insurance may pay for repair or replacement regardless of fault. You may need to pay a deductible.
- Medical payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP): These cover medical bills regardless of fault and can apply when treatment is needed after a hit-and-run accident.
If you lack these coverages your options narrow. Health insurance or property insurance may help, but they often won’t cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or vehicle damage.
Legal Options When the Driver Is Found
If law enforcement identifies the at-fault driver, you may file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against that driver. Compensation can include medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering and future losses. The driver’s liability policy may cover the claim. If the driver is uninsured you may still use your UM/UIM coverage or consider legal remedy depending on state law.
What Kinds of Damages Can You Claim?
Damages in hit-and-run cases fall into two primary categories:
- Economic damages: These are measurable costs and include medical expenses (emergency room care, surgeries, rehabilitation), lost wages, vehicle repair or replacement costs, out-of-pocket travel to medical appointments and other documented expenses.
- Non-economic damages: These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disability or impairment and scarring or disfigurement. These losses are less tangible but still compensable.
For example, a recent commentary suggested settlements in hit-and-run cases may range from thousands for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands if major trauma or permanent disability are involved.
Factors That Influence How Much Money You Can Get
Several factors will shape your recovery amount:
- The severity and permanence of injuries.
- The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or other property.
- Whether the at-fault driver is identified and insured.
- Whether you have UM/UIM or collision coverage in place.
- How quickly you report the accident and preserve evidence.
- Your legal representation and approach to negotiation.
- State laws pertaining to fault, comparative negligence and statute of limitations.
Steps You Must Take After a Hit-and-Run
Taking the right steps quickly improves your chances of compensation:
- Ensure your safety and the safety of others, call 911 if injuries or significant damage occurred.
- Report the crash to the police and obtain a report number. Provide any witness names, vehicle description, license plate fragment or other identifying info if available.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and state that the other driver fled. Ask about UM/UIM and collision coverage.
- Document the scene: take photos of vehicle damage, road debris, skid marks, surrounding signage, and your injuries. Collect contact info from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries can worsen. Keep all records of treatment.
- Don’t admit fault. Believe it or not, insurance companies may use any statement against you to reduce your payout.
- Consult an attorney experienced in hit-and-run or auto accident law. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurers, and guide a lawsuit if needed.
What If the Driver Is Never Found?
When the driver remains unidentified you may still pursue compensation through your own policy if you have UM/UIM or collision coverage. If you lack those, you face tougher odds.
You can still pursue recovery if you later identify the driver and they are located, but expenses mount quickly. Time matters because legal deadlines (statute of limitations) apply.
Timeline and Common Delays
Since hit-and-runs involve a missing party, the timeline tends to stretch longer than typical collisions. Investigation of your case (police report, locating the driver, insurer review) may take weeks or months. Negotiation with insurers can also drag if you lack strong evidence. The process may escalate to a lawsuit which extends time and costs. The sooner you act, the better your position.
Realistic Settlement Expectations
While every case is unique, guidance from recent sources suggests:
- Minor injuries and vehicle damage: settlements in the low thousands of dollars.
- Moderate injuries, documented lost wages and vehicle loss: tens of thousands to low six figures.
- Severe injuries, permanent impairment, long term medical care or major vehicle loss: six figures or more.
Because the at-fault driver fled, insurers often scrutinize evidence strictly and may delay payment or offer lower amounts. Having strong documentation and legal support improves your result.
How an Attorney Makes a Difference
Having an experienced attorney on your side matters. Legal representation helps in:
- Gathering evidence (medical records, accident reconstruction, witness statements) that strengthens your case.
- Negotiating effectively with insurers so you don’t accept a lowball settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit if required and managing court processes.
- Ensuring your rights are protected if the at-fault driver emerges late or your insurer tries to deny UM/UIM coverage.
Preventing Future Problems — Your Insurance Review
After experiencing a hit-and-run, you also need to review your own insurance to mitigate future risk.
- Ensure you carry UM/UIM coverage and understand its limits.
- Confirm you have collision coverage if you want vehicle protection when the other driver cannot be found.
- Understand your deductible and how it applies in hit-and-run situations.
- Keep your policy current and maintain records of each renewal.
- Know how your state law treats hit-and-run accidents, statute of limitations and fault comparisons.
Conclusion
When you endure a hit-and-run accident you may feel powerless because the responsible party fled. However you do have options. With the right insurance, swift action and strong documentation you can pursue compensation for your losses.
If the other driver is identified you also have a right to legal remedy. Take each step promptly: report the incident, preserve evidence, notify your insurer and consult an attorney. With careful handling and informed decision making you can maximize your recovery and rebuild after the unexpected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never located?
A: Yes, if you have appropriate insurance such as UM/UIM or collision coverage you may be able to claim under your own policy even if the driver is unknown.
Q: Will my insurance rates go up if I file a hit-and-run claim?
A: Possibly. Even if you were not at fault, your insurer may still raise your premium after a claim under UM, UIM or collision. You should ask your insurer how your rate will be affected before settling.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim after a hit-and-run?
A: That varies by state. Most states set a statute of limitations (commonly 2–3 years) either for filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit. Act early to preserve your rights.
Q: What evidence is most important in a hit-and-run case?
A: Key evidence includes the police report, photos of damage and scene, witness contact info, medical records, documentation of lost wages and any camera footage or scrape paint from the other vehicle.