Uninsured Hit-And-Run: How To Identify And Protect Yourself

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a stressful and scary experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being, as well as that of your passengers. While the other driver's insurance information would typically be crucial in such situations, it might not always be possible to obtain it. In these cases, having the right coverage can protect you and help cover any damages or injuries sustained in the accident. This includes collision coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage, all of which can provide financial assistance and peace of mind during a challenging time.

Call the police and file an accident report

If you've been in a hit-and-run accident, it's important to call the police and file an accident report as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the incident. This report will be crucial in helping the authorities identify the driver who fled the scene and will also facilitate the claims process with your insurance company.

When you call the police, provide them with as much information as you can about the accident. If possible, give them the license plate number, make, and model of the car that hit you. Describe any other identifying details you can remember about the vehicle or the driver. If there are witnesses at the scene, ask them for their statements and contact information, as this can be incredibly helpful for the police investigation.

It is important to stay at the scene of the accident and talk to the police and any witnesses present. While it may be tempting to chase the fleeing driver, doing so could compromise your safety and that of your passengers. Your priority should be to ensure everyone's well-being and, if necessary, call for emergency medical assistance by dialling 911.

In the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to carefully document the incident for both the police and your insurance company. Take photographs of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries you or your passengers have sustained. If there are no witnesses at the scene, see if there are any nearby surveillance cameras that might have captured the accident. This footage could provide valuable evidence to help identify the fleeing driver.

Remember, even if the other driver has fled the scene, it is still considered a collision and must be reported to the police. By taking these steps and cooperating with the authorities, you increase the chances of the hit-and-run driver being identified and brought to justice.

Identify the other car's license plate, make or model

Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a stressful and scary experience. Your priority should be the health and safety of yourself and your passengers. After ensuring everyone is okay, it is important to identify the other car's license plate, make, or model. This information can be crucial for filing a police report and insurance claim. Here are some steps to help you identify the other car:

License Plate Number:

Try to remember or write down the license plate number of the other car. This is one of the most important pieces of information as it can help law enforcement identify the other driver. Each state has a unique format for license plates, including letters, numbers, and symbols. Providing as much of the license plate number as you can remember can greatly assist the investigation.

Make and Model of the Car:

If you are unable to get the full license plate number, try to recall the make and model of the other car. The make refers to the manufacturer or brand of the vehicle, such as Ford, Toyota, or Honda. The model refers to the specific type or series within the manufacturer's lineup, such as Camry, Accord, or F-150. Providing the car's colour and any distinctive features, such as damage, custom modifications, or unique stickers, can also be helpful.

Witness Information:

If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask them if they can provide additional information about the other car. Get their names and contact information, as their statements can be valuable, especially if they managed to capture a photo of the other car's license plate or have a dashcam recording.

Document and Report:

As soon as it is safe to do so, contact law enforcement and your insurance company to report the hit-and-run. Provide them with any information you have about the other car, including partial license plate numbers, make, model, colour, and distinctive features. The police will use this information to search for the other driver and create an official accident report, which will be crucial for your insurance claim.

Remember, your safety comes first. Do not attempt to follow the other driver, as it can be dangerous and may lead to further incidents. Focus on gathering as much information as possible and reporting the accident promptly to protect yourself and seek compensation for any damages or injuries sustained.

Document the accident for your insurance company

Documenting a car accident is crucial for insurance purposes and can also help you in court if necessary. The minutes after a car accident are crucial, so it's important to know what to do.

First, check to see if anyone needs immediate medical help and get to a safe place. Even if you’re not at fault, you have a “duty to mitigate damages”. In other words, you have to take reasonable steps to make sure your situation doesn’t get any worse. If health and safety are no longer concerns, you can start taking accident scene photos and collecting other evidence for your auto insurance case.

Take photos of the scene, documenting the damage done to the vehicles involved, personal injuries, the road conditions, nearby traffic signs, the weather, etc. You may have to prove what happened to the insurance company, so the more evidence you have, the better. Try to gather statements from witnesses, especially if you think they might leave the scene.

Keep and file any receipt or document related to your accident. You can file an auto insurance claim for many expenses caused by your accident, including personal and property damages, lost work and wages, and towing and rental expenses. What’s covered depends on where the accident took place, what type of coverage you have, what type of insurance the other driver has (or if they have any at all), and who was at fault.

If you are at fault, notify your insurance company as soon as possible as you may become responsible for the other party’s damages should they elect to file a claim against you. If the other driver is uninsured, your insurance may cover your damages, depending on your coverage. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your policy may cover certain medical expenses or damage to your vehicle if the other driver is underinsured or without coverage.

If you are not at fault, your policy may provide some benefits depending on the coverage you selected. Otherwise, you may need to pursue an action against the other driver and/or their insurance company.

Get witness statements and contact information

Witness statements and contact information are crucial components of a hit-and-run investigation. If you witness a hit-and-run incident, it is essential to understand your role and responsibilities. Here are the steps you can take to get witness statements and contact information:

Assess the Situation and Prioritize Safety:

Before taking any action, it is important to assess the situation and prioritize your safety. If it is safe to do so, you can exit your vehicle and check for injuries or damage. If there are any serious injuries or significant damage, immediately call 911 for emergency assistance and report the incident. Ensure your own safety first before attempting to help others.

Gather Information and Evidence:

If possible, try to gather as much information and evidence as you can about the incident. This includes the license plate number, vehicle description (make, model, color, etc.), driver's description, and any unique identifying features or behaviors. If you have a pen and paper or a phone to take notes, write down or record everything you remember about the incident, including the time, location, and any relevant details. This information can be invaluable for law enforcement and insurance companies.

Contact the Police:

It is crucial to contact the police as soon as possible. They will respond quickly and investigate the scene. Provide them with your witness statement and any evidence you have gathered. Ensure you give your full name, contact information, and other relevant details. Remember to remain at the scene and avoid interfering with the police investigation unless necessary.

Exchange Information with Other Witnesses:

If there are other witnesses at the scene, exchange contact information and discuss what each of you witnessed. Collect names, phone numbers, and email addresses if possible. This information will be valuable for follow-up discussions and can help strengthen the overall understanding of the incident.

Contact a Lawyer:

Consider reaching out to a lawyer or an attorney who specializes in hit-and-run cases. They can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you navigate any legal complexities. They can also assist in tracking down additional witnesses and gathering more comprehensive statements if needed.

Remember, as a witness, your statement and contact information can play a significant role in the investigation, insurance claims, and any potential legal proceedings. Always remain calm, objective, and factual when providing your account of the incident.

Uninsured motorist coverage can help cover damages

In most states, a driver who flees the scene of an accident is considered "uninsured" by insurance companies. Uninsured motorist coverage can fill the gap and provide financial protection in such situations. Depending on your state, uninsured motorist coverage may be divided into two types: uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD).

UMBI covers injuries suffered in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, including hit-and-run scenarios. It may also cover additional expenses such as income continuation, funeral expenses, and rehabilitation costs. On the other hand, UMPD covers damage to your car caused by a hit-and-run incident. It is important to note that UMPD coverage may require physical contact with the vehicle responsible for the accident, depending on your state's specific rules.

Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in many states and highly recommended for all drivers, even in states where it is not required. Without this coverage, you could be left paying for medical bills and vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. By having uninsured motorist coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected financially in the unfortunate event of a hit-and-run or accident with an uninsured driver.

Frequently asked questions