Car accidents cause significant stress, but when the other driver flees the scene, you face even more uncertainty and frustration. Hit-and-run accidents leave you wondering how to pay for vehicle repairs, medical bills and other expenses when the responsible party is nowhere to be found.
Unfortunately, these incidents are more common than you might think. In 2022, there were over 122,000 car accidents in Virginia alone, with more than 5,500 classified as hit-and-runs. That means drivers fleeing the scene accounted for approximately 2.5% of all crashes.
The good news is that the state has taken steps to reduce these incidents. A new law requires all drivers to carry insurance, eliminating the previous option of paying a fee instead of having coverage. This change aims to decrease the number of uninsured drivers on the road and reduce hit-and-run accidents.
Steps to take after a hit-and-run
Your actions immediately following a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here are critical steps:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention immediately, even for minor injuries
- Call the police to file an official report
- Take photos of your vehicle damage and the accident scene
- Gather contact information from any witnesses
- Write down any details about the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, license plate)
- Notify your insurance company about the accident
- Document all medical treatments and expenses
- Consult a knowledgeable car accident attorney
Following these steps creates a strong foundation for your insurance claim and any potential legal action if police identify the at-fault driver.
Options for compensation in Virginia
Even if the driver who hit you remains at large, you still have potential avenues for compensation. Virginia’s insurance requirements have changed to protect drivers in these situations.
If police identify the hit-and-run driver, you can seek compensation from:
- Their liability insurance
- Your uninsured motorist coverage if they lack insurance
- A personal injury lawsuit against the driver
If the driver remains unknown, you may still recover damages through:
- Your uninsured motorist coverage, which treats hit-and-run drivers as uninsured
- Your collision coverage for vehicle repairs
- Your health insurance for medical expenses
Since last July, all Virginia drivers must carry minimum liability coverage. The limits increased this year to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per incident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy provides crucial protection in these situations.
Hit-and-run rules differ for Maryland and Washington, D.C.
In Maryland, drivers must carry minimum liability insurance, and the state operates under a “fault” system where the responsible party’s insurance pays for damages. Maryland requires uninsured motorist coverage on all auto policies, which can help you recover damages after a hit-and-run. The state also imposes strict penalties on hit-and-run drivers, including potential felony charges for accidents involving injuries.
Washington, D.C. also requires drivers to have insurance but follows a “no-fault” system for certain claims. This means your own insurance covers some expenses regardless of who caused the accident. D.C. requires both uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP), giving you multiple options for compensation after a hit-and-run. The District also has severe penalties for drivers who flee accident scenes.
When dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, understanding your rights and insurance options can make a significant difference in your recovery. If a hit-and-run driver injures you, seeking guidance from an experienced car accident attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.