What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

Record all pertinent information.

• Write down as much of the other vehicle’s information as possible, including its license plate number, make and model, and color.
• Note the time and location of the hit-and-run. Be sure to record the direction the car was headed post-incident.
• It’s also important to take pictures of the scene and any damage to your vehicle. If there were any eyewitnesses, gather their names and contact information.
• Locating surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or your dashcam can be crucial in identifying the at-fault driver and providing details about the incident. However, it’s many businesses don’t keep footage for long unless there’s a specific reason to retain it, so act quickly to gather any recordings.

Don’t Leave the Scene

In the event of a hit-and-run, never try to follow or apprehend the fleeing driver. What’s more, leaving the scene could cause you to miss eyewitness accounts and may leave law officials questioning who’s really at fault.

Contact the police.

Once all important information has been gathered, call the police immediately to file an accident report and ideally, they can take a report at the scene. When the police arrive, provide them with a description of the vehicle, if available, what happened, and the names of any eyewitnesses.

Filing a police accident report creates an official record of the incident, which is essential for insurance claims, legal matters, and determining fault in case of a dispute. Be sure to report an accident within 5 days of an accident. While the report plays a key role in helping insurance companies assess liability, it is not the only factor they consider when determining fault.

Contact your insurance agent or company

After a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. They can guide you through the next steps, help you understand your coverage, and ensure you file the necessary claims. Providing your agent and company with all the details of the accident, including the police report and any evidence you’ve gathered, will help them assess the situation and get to work on providing you with compensation.

If you have any questions or concerns about how your insurance policy will protect you in a hit and run situation, contact your agent for assistance.