Getting Compensation For a Hit and Run Accident
A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. When a negligent driver flees the scene, it can seem like getting compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage is impossible. However, there are still legal and insurance options available to help you recover what you’re owed. Whether through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, Arizona’s Crime Victim Compensation Program, or legal action, you don’t have to face this situation alone. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take after a hit-and-run and explain how Brad Johnson Injury Law can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can help protect your health, preserve important evidence, and improve your chances of getting compensation.
Ensure Your Safety
- If you are able to, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid further danger.
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
- Even if the other driver has fled, reporting the accident is crucial.
- Provide the dispatcher with your location, vehicle description, and any details you recall about the fleeing driver or their car (make, model, color, license plate, etc.).
- Request medical assistance if you or anyone involved is injured.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Since hit-and-run drivers may not be immediately located, the evidence you collect could be essential for your insurance claim or legal case.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your vehicle damage, and any injuries.
- Write down any details about the other vehicle if you saw it (license plate, color, make, model, direction they were heading).
- Look around for witnesses who may have seen the accident. Get their contact information and ask if they’re willing to provide a statement.
- Check for security cameras on nearby businesses, homes, or traffic lights that may have recorded the incident.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, injuries from a hit-and-run accident may not be immediately noticeable due to adrenaline.
- Visit a doctor as soon as possible to document any injuries.
- Keep records of all medical evaluations, treatments, and expenses.
Notify Your Insurance
- Inform your insurance provider about the hit-and-run accident as soon as possible.
- Provide them with the police report number and any evidence you gathered.
- If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, this may help cover your damages.
Can you Get Compensation if the Driver Isn’t Found?
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be frustrating, especially if the at-fault driver is never identified. However, you may still be eligible for compensation through various insurance options and victim assistance programs in Arizona.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
In Arizona, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is optional, but if you have it, it can help cover medical expenses and lost wages in a hit-and-run case. Since a hit-and-run driver is legally considered “uninsured” if they flee the scene and cannot be found, UM coverage may step in to pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical treatment
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay, these coverages can help pay for your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. Unlike UM coverage, PIP and MedPay do not cover pain and suffering or lost wages, they only cover medical costs.
Arizona Crime Victim Compensation Program
If you do not have applicable insurance coverage, you may be eligible for compensation through Arizona’s Crime Victim Compensation Program. This state-funded program assists victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents, by covering:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages due to injury
- Funeral costs (in fatal cases)
- Mental health counseling
To qualify, you must:
- Report the hit-and-run to law enforcement within 72 hours
- Cooperate with the investigation
- File a claim within two years of the accident
Filing an Insurance Claim for a Hit-and-Run
Filing an insurance claim after a hit-and-run accident can be more complicated than a typical car accident claim since there is no at-fault driver to hold accountable. However, if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, MedPay, or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), you may still be able to recover compensation.
Challenges in Hit-and-Run Insurance Claims
- Proving the accident wasn’t your fault – Some insurers may argue that, without an identified at-fault driver, they cannot confirm how the accident occurred.
- Claim Denial or Low Settlement Offers – Insurance companies may attempt to deny coverage or offer a low settlement by disputing the severity of your injuries or vehicle damage.
- Policy Limitations – If you don’t have UM coverage, your ability to recover damages may be limited.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If your insurance company denies your claim or offers a low payout, you don’t have to accept it. A personal injury attorney can:
- Gather additional evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance adjuster for a higher settlement
- File a bad faith insurance claim if your insurer unfairly denies compensation
Navigating an insurance claim after a hit-and-run can be frustrating, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Brad Johnson Injury Law can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Legal Options for Pursuing Compensation
If a hit-and-run driver is not identified or your insurance claim is denied, you may still have legal options to pursue compensation. In Arizona, victims of hit-and-run accidents can file a personal injury claim if the driver is later found. This lawsuit can help recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If the driver remains unidentified, an experienced attorney can help you explore other legal avenues, such as filing a bad faith insurance claim if your insurer wrongfully denies or delays payment. Additionally, Arizona’s Crime Victim Compensation Program may provide financial relief for victims with medical bills or lost income due to a hit-and-run. Since hit-and-run cases can be complex, consulting with a personal injury lawyer ensures that you understand your rights and maximize your compensation. Brad Johnson Injury Law has the experience to fight for victims and hold negligent drivers or insurance companies accountable.
How Brad Johnson Injury Law Can Help
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Even if the at-fault driver is never found, there are still legal and insurance options available to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The key is to act quickly and report the accident, gather evidence, and seek legal guidance to protect your rights.
At Brad Johnson Injury Law, we specialize in helping hit-and-run victims navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve. Let us handle the complexities of your case while you focus on recovery. Call us for a free consultation to discuss your options. You don’t pay unless we win your case!