How to Report a Hit-and-Run Accident

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Rabin Nabizadeh who has 20 years of legal experience as an attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

June 5, 2025 | Rabin Nabizadeh | Hit and Run

A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling shocked and confused. When another driver flees the scene after a crash, you face extra challenges getting your damages covered. At Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers, we understand the stress you feel after such incidents. In a hit-and-run, the driver causes a collision but leaves the scene without exchanging information. This can range from scraping a parked vehicle to causing serious injuries in a vehicle collision. Law enforcement takes these incidents seriously. Penalties vary based on severity. A misdemeanor might apply to small property damage, while felonies often stem from severe injuries or stolen vehicles, highlighting a major legal difference. If the accident occurred with minimal damage, the consequences may be less severe. However, incidents involving uninsured motorist coverage need, significant vehicle damage, or bodily harm carry harsher penalties. To determine fault, local law enforcement carefully reviews police reports, witness accounts, and surveillance videos. If no one is injured, you can often file a police report online.

Table of Contents

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run

If you're involved in or witness a hit-and-run accident, follow these steps:

Prioritize safety: Get to a secure area that is clear of traffic to prevent additional injuries or accidents.
Document details: Note information about the fleeing vehicle, including:
License plate number (even partial)
Make and model
Color
Direction of travel
Visible damage
License plate number (even partial)
Make and model
Color
Direction of travel
Visible damage
Gather witness information: Record the details of anyone who witnessed the accident.
Call the police immediately: Report the incident right away so emergency responders can secure the scene and begin investigating. Be ready to describe what happened clearly.
Avoid confrontation: Don't engage directly with the other driver if they're still nearby.

Acting quickly strengthens your case. Time-sensitive details like the fleeing vehicle's description or witness accounts can fade quickly. Furthermore, police find it easier to track down suspects when reports are filed promptly. These steps protect you from potential liability and improve the chances of recovering damages.

Legal Requirements for Reporting

After a car accident, drivers must stop, exchange information, and assist injured parties, including getting medical help if needed. Failing these duties can lead to criminal or civil liability. Deadlines are crucial. Most states require drivers to file an accident report within 24 to 72 hours of when the accident occurred. Delaying could mean facing further penalties. Moreover, insurance companies often have strict timelines for submitting claims. Many states also require you to show your driver's license when involved in a collision. This helps verify your identity and confirms you're legally permitted to operate motor vehicles. Without proper identification, you may face additional charges beyond those related to the hit and run.

Reporting to the Police and Filing an Official Report

When reporting to the police station or calling the police, provide clear, accurate details about:

The fleeing vehicle
Damage to your car or other property
Any injuries to you or passengers
The owner of any damaged property
Whether the crash involved motor vehicles, pedestrians, or other property

Don't wait to file your report, as delays can hurt your case. The police department may require you to complete a specific form documenting the incident. This helps them organize information and begin their investigation efficiently. Once police find relevant information and complete their investigation, request a copy of the official police report. This document is essential for filing claims with your insurance company and pursuing legal action. Keep it with other records, such as medical bills or repair estimates.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible after the event. When describing what happened:

Stick to facts
Avoid speculating about fault
Mention if the other party fled the scene
Provide details about damage to your vehicle
Share information about any injured parties

Be prepared to provide the police report and evidence you've gathered. Many insurers, including State Farm and others, have dedicated teams for hit-and-run claims. Sharing accurate information demonstrates cooperation, which helps during the claims process. You may need to wait for your insurance company to process your claim. During this time, they'll evaluate the evidence, assess damages, and determine coverage. Being patient while maintaining regular contact can help ensure your claim stays on track.

Insurance Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Many insurance policies cover hit-and-run incidents under uninsured motorist coverage. However, coverage depends on your policy terms and limits. Claims may be denied if proper procedures aren't followed. A common misconception is that insurers won't pay unless the responsible driver is identified. This isn't always true. In most cases, your uninsured motorist coverage can protect you even if the other driver is never found. Carefully review your policy to understand what compensation you’re entitled to for injuries or property damage. Insurance companies typically cover damages based on the type of policy you have. Comprehensive coverage often handles vehicle repairs, while personal injury protection may cover medical bills. Knowing your policy details helps set realistic expectations about what costs will be covered.

Legal Consequences for Not Reporting

Failing to report a hit-and-run carries significant risks. Criminal charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, based on circumstances. Victims may also pursue personal injury lawsuits in civil cases to recover damages.

Potential Criminal Charges

Not reporting can lead to serious charges such as:

Reckless driving
Leaving the scene of an accident
More serious charges if someone was killed or seriously injured

Penalties depend on factors like damage to other vehicles, bodily injury, or private property damage. A conviction can affect job prospects and other aspects of your life. The responsible party may face license suspension, fines, or even jail time depending on the severity of the crash.

Civil Liability in Personal Injury Claims

Victims often file civil claims to recover damages for:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Vehicle repairs
Pain and suffering
Long-term care for serious injuries

Liability is determined using evidence like crash reports, footage, or witness statements. Building a strong defense is essential if you're accused. Avoid admitting fault prematurely, as it could harm your case. In the civil case process, both parties typically exchange evidence and may attempt settlement negotiations before going to trial. Having proper documentation, including the police report, strengthens your position whether you're the victim or the accused.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

A car accident attorney specializes in defending clients in hit-and-run cases. We evaluate each case thoroughly, gathering evidence and building tailored strategies. From courtroom representation to negotiating with the other party, we're committed to achieving the best outcome.

Investigating the Accident Thoroughly

Thorough investigation is key. We examine:

Surveillance footage
Dashcam videos
Witness statements
Police form documentation
Department records related to similar incidents

Skilled investigators reconstruct events to ensure nothing is overlooked. This approach strengthens your defense, whether challenging fault, disputing injuries, or seeking reduced charges. We work diligently to protect your rights throughout the process.

Representing Accused Clients

We develop strategies tailored to your situation. Possible defenses include:

Mistaken identity
Lack of intent
Insufficient evidence
Improper police procedure

If procedural errors occur, we effectively challenge them. Our goal is to protect your rights and minimize penalties. We understand how stressful these situations can be and provide support every step of the way.

Strategies for Reducing Charges

Proven strategies include:

Challenging weak evidence
Questioning witness credibility
Identifying procedural errors
Negotiating with the district attorney's department

Working with us ensures you have skilled advocates fighting for the best outcome, whether it's reduced charges or complete exoneration. Our attorneys have the experience needed to go through the complex legal situations effectively.

Contact Our Hit-and-Run Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you're facing charges from a hit-and-run or need help with insurance claims after being a victim, contact us for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are ready to defend your rights and guide you through this complex process. Don't wait to get the legal support you need – the sooner we can start working on your case, the better we can protect your interests.

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