What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Accident

A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling helpless and uncertain about their next steps. Unlike other collisions, where the at-fault driver is present to exchange information, hit-and-run accidents involve a driver who flees the scene, making it difficult to determine liability and recover damages. Many victims believe they have no legal options if the responsible driver is never found, but that is not the case. It is important to contact a skilled car accident lawyer who can help.

Knowing what to do in a hit-and-run can protect your rights and help you secure financial compensation. From filing an uninsured motorist claim to gathering evidence, taking the proper steps immediately after the accident can improve your chances of recovering compensation.

At D’Amore Law Group, we help victims of hit-and-run accidents in Oregon and Washington understand their legal options and fight for the compensation they deserve.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Hit-and-run accidents happen in a matter of seconds, leaving victims confused and unsure of what to do next. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these steps to protect yourself and strengthen your case.

1. Ensure Safety First

Your safety should be the top priority. If the accident occurs on a busy roadway, move your vehicle to a safe location. If you have passengers, check for injuries and call for medical assistance if necessary.

2. Call Law Enforcement

It is critical to report the accident to the police immediately. Law enforcement officers will document the incident, collect statements from any witnesses, and search for any available traffic or security camera footage. A police report is also necessary when filing a hit-and-run insurance claim.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Even though the other driver has fled, collecting as much information as possible can help the investigation. Take photos of vehicle damage and debris on the road. Include pictures of skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. Write down any identifying details of the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, or partial license plate number.

4. Speak with Witnesses

Bystanders may have seen the accident and could provide valuable information about the fleeing driver or vehicle. Collect their contact information and statements, as witness testimony can support your claim.

5. Look for Nearby Cameras

Traffic cameras, security cameras, or dashcams capture many hit-and-run accidents. If the accident occurs near a business or intersection, ask nearby establishments if they have surveillance footage that might have recorded the incident.

6. Avoid Chasing the Other Driver

While it may be tempting to follow the driver who hit you, doing so could put you at risk. Instead, focus on gathering evidence and reporting the incident to law enforcement.

Filing a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim

Many accident victims assume they cannot recover compensation if they cannot identify the at-fault driver. However, in Oregon and Washington, most drivers have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which applies in hit-and-run cases. Here is how different types of coverage can help:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. If the fleeing driver is never found, UM coverage can compensate for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Collision coverage. This insurance can cover vehicle repairs after a hit-and-run accident, even if the at-fault driver is unidentified.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP coverage helps pay for medical expenses and lost income, regardless of who was at fault.

To file a hit-and-run insurance claim, victims should:

Report the accident to their insurer as soon as possible;
Provide all available evidence, including the police report, witness statements, and photos; and
Work with an attorney to ensure the insurance company does not undervalue or deny the claim.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in hit-and-run cases. Legal representation can help ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their losses.

Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in Oregon and Washington. These drivers face criminal penalties such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Even if a driver is not criminally charged, they may still be liable for civil (monetary) damages. Victims may pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit if the at-fault driver is identified. An attorney can work with investigators and law enforcement to locate and hold the responsible driver accountable.

What If Someone Hit My Car and Drove Off While I Was Not There?

Hit-and-run accidents frequently occur when vehicles are parked. If someone hit your car and drove off, follow these steps:

Document the damage. Take photos of the vehicle from multiple angles.
Look for witnesses. Nearby individuals may have seen the accident and can provide useful information.
Check for security footage. Businesses or parking garages may have cameras that caught the incident on tape.
File a police report. Even if the damage seems minor, a report can help when filing a claim.

Coverage for a hit-and-run on a parked car depends on whether you have uninsured motorist or collision coverage. Contact your insurance company to learn more.

How Long Do You Have to File a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim?

In Oregon and Washington, there are specific deadlines for filing hit-and-run claims:

Insurance deadlines. Most insurance policies require that hit-and-run claims be reported within a short timeframe, sometimes as little as 30 days.
Legal statute of limitations. In Oregon, victims generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Washington, the statute of limitations is typically three years.

Failing to act within these deadlines can jeopardize a claim. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible ensures that all legal options remain available.

Speak with a Hit-and-Run Attorney Today

A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling frustrated and uncertain about their next steps. However, legal options are still available, even if the driver is never found. Knowing what to do in a hit-and-run situation can help protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving compensation.

D’Amore Law Group has extensive experience handling hit-and-run accident claims in Oregon and Washington. Our attorneys work tirelessly to help victims recover financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damage.

If you have been involved in a hit-and-run, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Knowledge is Power – Stay Informed