Injured in a Hit-and-Run? Here’s What You Need to Do Now

A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating and stressful things that can happen on the road. You’re hurt, your car is damaged, and the person responsible is gone. It’s unfair, but you don’t have to handle it alone. There are steps you can take to protect yourself, your rights, and your chances of getting compensation.

Even though the driver took off, you still have options. Here’s what you need to do right away—and why acting fast is so important.

Stay Calm and Get to Safety

After a hit-and-run, your first instinct might be to chase after the driver. Don’t. That’s dangerous and could make things worse. Instead, take a deep breath and focus on your safety. If your car is in the middle of traffic, move to the side of the road if you can. If you’re injured and can’t move, turn on your hazard lights and stay put until help arrives.

If anyone else is around, ask them to call 911. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should still get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, don’t always show up right away.

Call the Police and Report the Crash

A hit-and-run is a crime. The police need to know what happened so they can start an investigation. When the officers arrive, tell them everything you remember. Even small details can help.

Try to give them information like:

• The make, model, and color of the other car
• Any part of the license plate you saw
• Which direction the driver went
• What the driver looked like (if you saw them)

The police will file a report, which is important if you need to make an insurance claim or take legal action.

Gather Evidence (If You Can)

If you’re physically able to, start collecting evidence right away. The more proof you have, the better your chances of finding the driver or getting compensation.

Here’s what you should do:

• Take pictures of your car, the scene, and any injuries.
• Look for surveillance cameras. Stores, homes, or traffic cameras might have caught the accident.
• Ask witnesses for their contact information and if they saw anything helpful.

This evidence can be crucial when dealing with insurance companies or working with an attorney to explore your legal options.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if the other driver is gone, your insurance might still cover the damage. Most policies have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can help in hit-and-run cases. Check your policy or ask your agent if you’re not sure.

When you report the crash, be honest and stick to the facts. Insurance companies might try to downplay your claim, so avoid making guesses or admitting any fault. If they push back on covering your expenses, a lawyer can help you fight for what you deserve.

When to Call a Lawyer

If the hit-and-run driver isn’t found or your insurance company is giving you a hard time, it might be time to get legal help. A Pittsburgh car & auto wreck attorney can handle insurance negotiations, look for other ways to get compensation, and make sure you’re not stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.

A lawyer can also help if you have serious injuries, mounting medical bills, or lost wages from missing work. Many accident attorneys offer free consultations, so it’s worth reaching out to understand your options.

Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)

Adrenaline can mask pain, so don’t assume you’re okay just because you don’t feel hurt right away. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, might take hours or even days to show up.

Go to a doctor as soon as possible and explain what happened. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and any treatments you receive. These documents will be important if you need to prove your injuries later.

What If the Driver Is Never Found?

It’s frustrating, but not all hit-and-run drivers are caught. If the police can’t track them down, you might wonder what happens next.

Here’s the good news: You can still get compensation through your insurance. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it can help pay for your medical bills and car repairs. If you don’t have UM coverage, you might still be able to file a claim under collision coverage or personal injury protection (PIP), depending on your policy.

If insurance won’t cover everything, an attorney can help you look into other options, like using crime victim funds or filing a lawsuit if the driver is found later.

What Happens If the Driver Is Caught?

If the police find the hit-and-run driver, they could face serious consequences. In most states, leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the damage and injuries involved.

Once the driver is identified, you can file a claim against their insurance or take them to court for damages. This could include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and car repairs.

A lawyer can help you figure out the best way to move forward, especially if the driver tries to deny responsibility.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Take Action

When it comes to a hit-and-run, time isn’t on your side. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to track down the driver, gather evidence, or file an insurance claim. Security footage gets erased, witnesses forget details, and injuries that seem minor at first can turn into bigger problems later.

If you’re unsure about what to do next, talking to a lawyer can make things easier. They know how to handle insurance companies, push for the compensation you deserve, and make sure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Even if the hit-and-run driver is never found, an attorney can help explore other options for covering your medical bills and car repairs.

What You Should Remember

A hit-and-run is frustrating, unfair, and stressful—but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. The most important thing is to act fast and protect yourself.

Here’s what to do:

• Take a deep breath and make sure you’re safe.
• Call 911 and report the accident.
• Gather as much info as you can—photos, witness names, anything that might help.
• Let your insurance company know what happened.
• See a doctor, even if you feel okay. Injuries can show up later.
• If the driver isn’t found or insurance won’t cover everything, talk to a lawyer.

No one expects to be in a hit-and-run, but knowing what to do can make a huge difference. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of getting the help and compensation you need. Don’t wait—protect yourself now.

Alan Roody

Alan Roodey is a professional Author and contributor to many sites. He loves to write on various topics.