What Is a Hit and Run?

What Is a Hit and Run?

Even a minor fender bender where one driver sneaks away instead of exchanging insurance information could be classified as a hit and run. It's not just about the severity of the crash; it's about what happens after the crash.

So what is a hit and run, really? More importantly, how can a car accident attorney help you recover compensation when a negligent or reckless driver leaves you with more than just a damaged car?

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What Are Common Types of Hit and Run Accident Scenarios?

Hit and run scenarios can take many forms. Not all of them involve dramatic, high-speed collisions. Some cases are surprisingly subtle, leaving victims wondering, "Does this even count?" 

The truth is, if someone causes damage or injury and takes off without fulfilling their legal obligations, it may very well qualify for compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit,  especially if:

• A driver runs a red light and strikes you in the intersection, causing serious injuries and wrecking your car, then flees the scene.
• Someone hits you while you're riding a bike, leaving you with broken bones or other significant injuries before speeding away.
• A pedestrian is struck in a crosswalk by a vehicle that doesn't stop to help or call for emergency assistance.
• A vehicle rear-ends you at highway speeds, leading to whiplash, concussions, or other major injuries, and they take off without exchanging information.
• A reckless driver sideswipes your car, forcing it into another vehicle or off the road, and escapes without checking on the damage or your well-being.
• A truck or large vehicle crashes into your parked car, causing extensive damage or even totaling it, and the driver vanishes without leaving a note.

It doesn't matter if the damage seems small or if the at-fault driver seemed to vanish into thin air—your situation deserves attention. Consulting with a hit and run accident lawyer can help you understand how you may be able to seek compensation in these frustrating incidents.

How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?

Unfortunately, hit and runs are more frequent than you might realize. Across the United States, more than 700,000 hit and run crashes happen every year—roughly one every 43 seconds. That's an alarming frequency, and states such as Arizona and Illinois rank highly on the list.

What's even more devastating is that these accidents often lead to the wrongful death of innocent drivers, passengers, and bystanders. Reports reveal over 2,000 lives are lost annually due to these incidents.

These alarming statistics point to the need for experienced legal support when confronting the truth about the devastation of a hit and run crash. If you need help navigating the legal system to fight for justice and compensation, consider speaking to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene?

When you think about it logically, leaving the scene of an accident doesn't make much sense. After all, the consequences for getting caught are often worse than the situation the driver was originally facing. Yet, people still flee.

Why?

Here are some of the most common reasons drivers may not stick around:

• Driving under the influence: If someone is intoxicated, they may panic, fearing severe penalties like DUI charges, license suspensions, or even jail time.
• No driver's license or insurance: A driver without proper documentation knows they'll be in trouble if caught. Fleeing might seem like an easy way out.
• Stolen vehicles: If the car involved in the accident is stolen, the driver likely won't want police involvement.
• Outstanding warrants: Drivers who already have a warrant out for their arrest may flee to avoid adding to their legal woes.
• Fear or inexperience: Younger or inexperienced drivers may panic and leave out of sheer fear or confusion.
• Ego or selfishness: Sadly, some people simply don't want to deal with the hassle of being held accountable. They wrongly assume they can "get away with it."

While fear or bad judgment might explain the behavior, they don't excuse it. Those injured by these negligent and reckless behaviors have options for seeking compensation with the help of an experienced lawyer.

How Do You Recover Compensation for a Hit and Run Collision?

Many believe their options are limited when the at-fault driver flees the scene, but with the right legal help, the reality could be more hopeful.

Can the Police Catch the Driver?

When the person who caused the accident disappears, you might think there's no hope of finding them. However, technological advancements and investigative methods have made it easier for police to track down hit and run drivers. Here are some ways they might uncover the culprit:

• Witness statements: Eyewitnesses can often provide valuable details, such as a license plate number, vehicle make and model, or driver description.
• Traffic and security cameras: Footage from nearby cameras—at intersections, businesses, or parking lots—can offer clear evidence of what happened and who was responsible.
• Social media outreach: Platforms like Nextdoor or community Facebook groups can help identify the driver when others in the area share helpful tips or information.

If the police can't close the case or take too long to pursue leads, a skilled personal injury attorney can step in to push for progress or explore alternative avenues for compensation.

What If You Don't Know Who Hit You?

One of the hardest parts of a hit and run is not having a clear party to hold accountable. However, even when the other driver can't be located, you may still have options to recover compensation, especially if you carry uninsured motorist coverage in your auto insurance policy.

Uninsured motorist coverage often applies to hit and run cases, helping victims cover medical bills, property damage, and other costs up to their policy limits. 

However, coverage terms and availability can vary by state and insurance provider, so make sure to thoroughly review your policy or consult a lawyer for clarification.

Having the policy and recovering benefits to meet your damages or losses are often very different things. If you're unsure about your insurance coverage or how to file a claim, consulting an experienced lawyer can help clarify your options. 

When Does a Hit and Run Become a Felony?

Felony charges often indicate severe negligence or recklessness, which is sometimes considered in a final settlement amount. Situations that elevate a hit and run to a felony—and could impact the overall value of your case—include:

• Severe injuries to victims: If the fleeing driver caused significant bodily harm, such as broken bones, head trauma, or permanent disabilities, the case typically escalates to a felony. This increased severity may lead to higher compensation awards to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
• Fleeing an accident involving fatalities: When a hit and run leads to loss of life, the emotional and financial stakes are much greater. Victims' families may seek compensation for wrongful death, funeral costs, and the devastating impact on their loved ones' lives.

If any of these factors are present in your situation, you might still recover compensation, assuming other legal requirements for filing a claim. 

What Should I Do After A Hit and Run?

A hit and run isn't just what happened in a flash. It's also the days, weeks, and months that follow when you're left piecing your life back together, dealing with physical recovery, property repairs, and the uncertainty of holding someone accountable. 

What you do during this time is just as important as what happened at the scene, and taking the right steps can make all the difference in securing justice and compensation.

Don't chase down the driver or conduct your own investigation.

It's tempting to play detective after a hit and run. However, it's best to leave this to the professionals. Trying to pursue the driver yourself could not only put you in danger but might also harm your claim if it appears you acted recklessly or interfered with the investigation.

Police officers and lawyers can help gather evidence without jeopardizing your case. They know how to coordinate and use investigative resources to strengthen your claim without overstepping legal boundaries.

Be cautious of what you post online.

After an accident, you might feel like sharing your experience on social media to vent or seek help from your community. While this is a natural response, tread carefully. Posting about your accident could unintentionally harm your case. 

Insurance companies and opposing legal teams often review social media for statements or photos that they can use to dispute your injuries or the facts of the case. They may take even seemingly harmless posts out of context, so consult a lawyer before sharing anything online.

If you believe online platforms might provide helpful information—such as identifying witnesses or the driver—a lawyer can guide you. They may suggest specific and safe ways to engage with community groups, ensuring the message is clear without hurting your claim.

Gather and document everything you can about the accident.

Write down everything you remember about the event, such as the time, location, and any visual details of the vehicle that fled. Keep records of related medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and out-of-pocket expenses.

This documentation builds a strong foundation for your case and ensures no detail is overlooked when seeking compensation. A legal team can help organize this information and identify missing gaps, ensuring nothing critical is left out when you pursue your claim.

Don't delay seeking further medical attention.

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, monitoring your health is still important. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage might take days to appear.

Visits to a doctor protect your health and provide a verified record of your injuries. This medical documentation is crucial when pursuing compensation for physical harm caused by the hit and run.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, but proceed cautiously when discussing details. Many insurers have policies about handling hit and run claims, particularly if you have uninsured motorist coverage. However, it's worth noting that initial settlement offers may not reflect the true value of your case.

Having a lawyer on your side can help ensure you don't settle for less than you deserve. They can handle interactions with the insurance company and negotiate a settlement that covers your medical bills, property damage, and more.

Contact a lawyer to understand what a hit and run is—and isn't.

Accident survivors may second-guess themselves, wondering if the incident qualifies under the law. Generally, if the responsible driver left the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations, it likely could—but consulting a lawyer can help confirm this based on your specific circumstances.

An attorney can clarify any gray areas in your case and ensure you're equipped with the knowledge you need to protect your future.

Hurt in a Hit and Run Accident? Contact Abels & Annes, P.C. for Experienced Legal Support

A hit and run can make you feel powerless. But with legal support from Abels and Annes, P.C., you're not. Whether you're understanding your rights, seeking justice, or securing the support you need to rebuild, this is your reminder that help is available—even in tough situations.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating effects of hit and run accidents, don't wait to take action. Contact a trusted personal injury attorney from our award-winning personal injury law firm to discuss your options and take the first steps toward recovery.

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