Hit And Run: What You Need To Know

Nick Leason

-Sep 29, 2025

A hit and run accident, where a driver causes an accident and then flees the scene, is a serious offense. This guide explores the intricacies of hit and run incidents in the United States, covering what they are, why they happen, how to respond if you're involved, and the legal ramifications involved. It addresses your rights, how to protect yourself, and the steps to take to navigate this stressful situation.

Key Takeaways

A hit and run involves a driver failing to stop and provide assistance after an accident.
It's crucial to report the incident to the police and gather evidence.
Your insurance coverage, like uninsured motorist coverage, is essential in these cases.
Legal penalties for hit and runs can include fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Prioritize your safety and well-being first, then focus on documenting everything.

Introduction

Hit and run accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence across the United States. They involve a driver who, after being involved in a collision, intentionally leaves the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations. These obligations typically include stopping, providing assistance, exchanging information, and reporting the accident to the authorities. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hit and runs, offering clarity on what constitutes a hit and run, the steps to take if you are a victim, and the legal consequences for those who flee the scene.

What & Why

What is a Hit and Run?

A hit and run is defined as an accident where a driver causes damage, injury, or death and then knowingly leaves the scene without stopping to fulfill specific legal duties. These duties are designed to protect everyone involved, and failure to adhere to them is a criminal offense. It's not just about physical contact between vehicles; it can also include accidents where a vehicle hits property, like a parked car or a building, and the driver leaves.

Why Do Hit and Runs Happen?

Several factors contribute to hit and run incidents. These can include:

Fear of Consequences: Drivers might flee due to fear of legal repercussions, such as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge, driving with a suspended license, or not having insurance.
Lack of Insurance: Drivers without insurance may leave the scene to avoid the financial burden of paying for damages.
Panic or Confusion: In some instances, drivers may panic or become disoriented after an accident, leading them to flee. However, this does not excuse their actions.
Criminal Activity: Sometimes, hit and runs are associated with other criminal activities, and the driver flees to avoid being caught.

Risks and Consequences

The consequences of a hit and run are severe for both the victim and the perpetrator. For victims, the immediate risks include: — Liquor Store Hours: Opening Times Explained

Lack of Immediate Assistance: Without the driver present, injured individuals may not receive immediate medical attention.
Financial Hardship: Victims may face financial burdens from property damage or medical bills without knowing who is responsible.
Emotional Distress: The stress of dealing with an accident, especially when the responsible party flees, can cause significant emotional distress.

For the driver who flees, the risks include:

Criminal Charges: Potential charges include leaving the scene of an accident, which can lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record.
License Suspension or Revocation: Depending on the severity of the accident and the state's laws, a driver's license may be suspended or revoked.
Increased Insurance Premiums: Even if not charged with a crime, fleeing the scene can increase insurance premiums.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

If you are involved in a hit and run, the following steps are crucial:

1. Ensure Safety and Assess the Situation

Prioritize Safety: Immediately after the accident, ensure your safety and the safety of any passengers. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call for emergency medical services (911) if anyone is hurt.

2. Contact the Authorities

Report the Accident: Contact the police immediately. Provide them with as much detail as possible, including the location, the time, a description of the vehicle (if known), and any other relevant information.
Cooperate Fully: Cooperate fully with the police investigation. Provide a statement and answer any questions honestly.

3. Gather Evidence

Document Everything: If you can safely do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, debris, and the surrounding area. Note the weather conditions, and the time of day.
Collect Witness Information: If there are any witnesses, get their names, contact information, and a brief statement of what they saw.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the Claim: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if you don't have the at-fault driver's information, your insurance company can guide you on how to proceed.
Understand Your Coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand your coverage options, such as uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage.

5. Seek Legal Advice (If Necessary)

Consult an Attorney: If you sustained injuries, or if the accident resulted in significant property damage, consider consulting with an attorney.
Understand Your Rights: An attorney can explain your rights and help you navigate the legal process.

Examples & Use Cases

Here are a few examples to illustrate typical hit and run scenarios:

Scenario 1: Minor Fender Bender: John is stopped at a red light when another car rear-ends him. The other driver gets out, assesses the damage, and then quickly gets back in their car and drives away without exchanging information. John is now dealing with a hit and run.
Scenario 2: Parking Lot Incident: Maria parks her car in a shopping center parking lot. When she returns, she finds a significant dent and scratch on her car, and no note was left. This is a hit and run involving property damage.
Scenario 3: Injury and Flight: A pedestrian is struck by a car while crossing the street. The driver stops briefly, sees the pedestrian is injured, and then drives away before help arrives. This is a hit and run with severe consequences, potentially involving serious injuries or even death.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Stay Calm: Remaining calm will allow you to think clearly and make the right decisions.
Memorize Details: Try to remember as many details as possible about the other vehicle, including the make, model, color, and any unique features.
Preserve Evidence: Avoid moving your vehicle unless necessary, as it could disturb the accident scene. Preserve any evidence such as debris.
Follow Up: Keep in contact with the police and your insurance company to track the progress of the investigation.

Common Mistakes

Leaving the Scene: Never leave the scene of an accident. It is against the law and can lead to serious penalties.
Not Reporting the Accident: Always report the accident to the police, regardless of the damage or injuries.
Assuming Fault: Don't admit fault or make any statements that could be used against you.
Ignoring Injuries: Seek medical attention if you feel any pain or discomfort, even if it seems minor.

FAQs

What should I do immediately after a hit and run? Prioritize your safety, check for injuries, call the police, and gather as much information about the incident as possible.
What if I can't identify the other driver in a hit and run? Report the incident to the police and your insurance company. Your insurance may cover damages or injuries through uninsured motorist coverage.
What are the penalties for a hit and run? Penalties vary by state but can include fines, license suspension, jail time, and a criminal record.
How does uninsured motorist coverage help in a hit and run? Uninsured motorist coverage can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage if the at-fault driver is uninsured or unidentified.
Can I be charged with a hit and run if I didn't know I hit something? Yes, if you were involved in an accident and failed to stop and exchange information, you can be charged, regardless of whether you knew you hit something. — November 2024 Weather Forecast: What To Expect
Is a hit and run a felony or misdemeanor? It depends on the severity of the accident and the state's laws. It could be either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Conclusion with CTA

Dealing with a hit and run is a challenging situation. By knowing what to do, gathering evidence, and understanding your rights, you can protect yourself and navigate the legal process. Remember to prioritize your safety, contact the authorities immediately, and work with your insurance company to ensure your needs are met. — The UPS Store Ankeny: Services, Hours, & More

If you've been involved in a hit and run accident, contact a qualified legal professional today for a free consultation. Get the support and guidance you need to protect your rights and pursue your claim!

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 10:00 UTC