What should you do after a hit-and-run accident? After a hit-and-run crash, report the collision, obtain needed medical care, preserve evidence, and notify applicable insurers promptly. Even when the driver is not immediately identified, PIP, uninsured-motorist, collision, medical-payments, or other coverage may apply depending on the policy and facts.
Reviewed for legal accuracy by Ryan C. Hasanbasic, Florida Bar No. 44119 | Updated August 20, 2026
Fowkes & Hasanbasic represents people injured in car accidents throughout Tampa Bay and Florida. Our lawyers personally evaluate and handle each case, investigate the fleeing vehicle, analyze coverage, preserve evidence, and document injuries and losses.
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What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash
Move to safety when possible, call law enforcement and emergency services, and do not endanger yourself by chasing the fleeing driver. Record the vehicle’s color, make, model, damage, direction of travel, license plate characters, and driver description. Identify witnesses and photograph the roadway, debris, damage, and surrounding cameras.
Evidence That May Identify the Driver
- Business, residential, traffic, bus, and dash-camera video
- Witness descriptions and contemporaneous 911 calls
- License-plate information and automated plate-reader records where available
- Vehicle parts, paint transfer, debris, and repair records
- Cellphone, GPS, rideshare, delivery, or dispatch information
- Social-media posts or admissions obtained lawfully
Insurance When the Driver Is Unknown
Coverage must be evaluated from the actual policy. Florida PIP may address a portion of qualifying medical expenses and lost income. Uninsured-motorist coverage may apply to bodily injury caused by an unidentified driver if policy conditions are met. Collision coverage may address vehicle damage. Household, vehicle, employer, rideshare, and umbrella policies may also require review.
Why Prompt Investigation Matters
Video may be overwritten, debris removed, witnesses become difficult to locate, and vehicle damage repaired. Prompt notice may also be required by an insurance policy. Preserve all photographs, estimates, medical records, claim correspondence, and information provided to law enforcement.
Hit-and-Run Accident Questions
Can I make a claim if the driver is never found?
Possibly. Available first-party coverage may provide benefits, depending on the policy, the collision, timely notice, and other requirements.
What if there was no contact with the fleeing vehicle?
A no-contact crash can raise additional factual and policy issues. Witnesses, video, scene evidence, and the specific insurance language become especially important.
Can the fleeing driver be sued if identified?
A civil claim may be available against an identified responsible driver and other legally responsible parties, subject to the evidence and applicable deadlines.
Request a Free Hit-and-Run Accident Case Review
Fowkes & Hasanbasic offers a free case review and generally handles personal injury matters on a contingency-fee basis under a written representation agreement.
Contact the firm, return to the Car Accident hub, or review the main Personal Injury hub.