A Victim's Guide to Handling Hit and Run Accidents

Even though it might feel like everything is out of your hands, that's not true. What you do in the hours, days, and weeks after a hit and run can shape the outcome. From the first photo you take to the last conversation with your insurance company, you are building your case.

If you're here trying to understand what to do after a hit-and-run accident, you're already taking the right first step.

What to Do After the Accident

Here are steps you can and should take after a hit and run:

Start Collecting Evidence Right Away

As soon as you're safe, your next move is to become your investigator. Take photos, lots of them too. Capture your vehicle's damage, the surrounding road, any skid marks, broken car parts, or traffic signs nearby. Every small detail can later help reconstruct the accident.

If you caught even a glimpse of the other car, try to remember the make, model, color, and any part of the license plate you might've seen. Write it down. Voice note it. Just don't let it slip from memory.

And if there were any bystanders or witnesses, talk to them. Ask for their version of what they saw. Get their names and contact info. In these situations, witnesses can be your strongest support when you're trying to prove what happened.

Report It Without Fail

Some people think reporting a hit and run is pointless if you didn't catch the license plate. It's not. When you report to the police, you're activating a legal and investigative process. That police report becomes the backbone of your insurance claim and any legal actions down the road.

Be a Part of the Investigation

Once the dust settles, you're not just the victim; you're a key witness. Law enforcement will take your initial report, but your input continues to matter. Keep all your photos and notes organized. Follow up if new details come to mind or if you remember anything else about the car or the driver.

This is also where security cameras can be your best friend. If you were near businesses, homes, or intersections, ask if they have surveillance footage. You can also check if any nearby traffic cameras might have caught the incident. Time and location data help narrow this down fast.

When to Call a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're feeling lost in the paperwork, calls, and back-and-forth with insurance, what you need is a personal injury attorney to step in, not just to take over the heavy lifting, but to fight for the compensation you deserve.

A good attorney knows how to deal with uncooperative insurers. They can also help track down video footage, contact witnesses, and even get subpoenas if necessary to pull traffic surveillance records or vehicle data.

When choosing a lawyer, ask if they've handled hit-and-run accident cases before. Their experience can speed up the process and increase your chances of getting real results.

What Happens If They Catch the Driver?

If the driver is found, two things can happen: a criminal case and a civil case. The criminal penalties depend on how serious the incident was.

In some states (Illinois, for example), a hit and run causing injury can land the driver with felony charges, meaning prison time and steep fines. Milder cases might just result in misdemeanor charges, but even those are serious.

But even if the driver gets convicted, that doesn't cover your medical bills, car repairs, or emotional distress. That's where civil lawsuits come in. You can sue the driver for personal injury damages, which may include compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehab costs
• Lost income if you couldn't work
• Pain, suffering, and mental health impact

And, if the driver is never found, your uninsured motorist coverage might still help. Your lawyer can help you activate that part of your policy and make sure you aren't left footing the bill.