If you’re involved in a hit-and-run auto accident, your safety comes first. Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, and stay at the scene. Gather as much evidence as possible such as photos, witness information, and video footage, and report the crash to the police and your insurance company right away. If the other driver is never identified, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

It is Important to Remember:

• Call 911, get medical care, and remain at the scene
• Collect evidence such as photos, witness statements, and available video footage
• Police reports play a critical role in hit-and-run investigations and insurance claims
• UM coverage may help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the driver isn’t found
• Filing a claim may not automatically raise insurance rates in Texas, depending on fault and coverage

What Typically Happens After a Hit-and-Run Crash Occurs?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a crash and leaves without providing identification, insurance information, or aid. These cases can be especially stressful because the at-fault driver may never be located.

Why Staying at the Scene Matters

Remaining at the location helps:

• Ensure emergency responders can reach you
• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Allow police to document the incident properly

Leaving, even for understandable reasons, can complicate your claim and make it harder to prove what happened.

What Steps Should You Take Immediately After the Accident?

1. Call 911 and get medical care

Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask serious harm such as internal injuries or concussions. Emergency medical records also support your claim later.

2. Document the scene thoroughly

Use your phone to capture:

• Vehicle damage and skid marks
• Debris or paint transfer from the other vehicle
• Road conditions, lighting, and any nearby traffic signs

If you’re unable to take photos, ask someone nearby for help.

3. Report the crash to police as soon as possible

Most states require police reporting for hit-and-run crashes. The sooner officers arrive, the more likely critical evidence can be collected.

What Types of Evidence Are Collected in a Hit-and-Run?

Investigators and insurance companies rely heavily on physical evidence to identify the driver and prove what happened. Common sources include:

• Police reports documenting injuries, damage, and witness accounts
• Dash cam or traffic camera footage from nearby intersections or businesses
• Surveillance video from gas stations, parking lots, or residential doorbell cameras
• Eyewitness statements with descriptions of the vehicle, direction of travel, or license plate digits
• Photographs showing paint transfer, broken parts, or tire marks
• Medical records connecting injuries to the crash

Collecting evidence quickly increases the chance of locating the driver, and strengthens an uninsured motorist claim if they’re never found.

Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance Rates?

Not necessarily. In Texas, insurance increases depend on whether the insurer considers the crash “chargeable.”

Make sure to keep the following key points in mind:

• If you were not at fault and the police confirm it, many insurers will not raise rates solely because you filed a claim
• If damage is paid under collision coverage instead of UM, some carriers may still apply a surcharge
• Each company handles pricing differently, and prior claim history can affect results

Filing a police report is crucial; without it, your insurer may treat the crash as an at-fault accident.

How Does Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

When the driver disappears or cannot be identified, UM coverage can step in as if the at-fault driver had insurance.

UM may help pay for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or long-term care

In Texas, UM/UIM coverage is optional but highly recommended. To use UM benefits in a hit-and-run, most insurers require:

• A timely police report
• Prompt notice of the claim
• Evidence proving another driver caused the crash

Even if the driver is later found, your attorney can pursue the at-fault party directly.

Situations in Where Hit-and-Runs Typically Happen

Hit-and-run crashes don’t follow one pattern. They can happen in fast-moving traffic, quiet neighborhoods, parking lots, and even while someone is simply walking across the street.

Understanding how these accidents unfold in different settings can make the process feel less confusing. Each scenario comes with its own challenges, and different types of evidence may be available, and insurance coverage may apply differently depending on the circumstances.

The examples below highlight common hit-and-run situations and how the next steps may vary depending on where the crash occurs and the resources available at the scene.

A Pedestrian Hit in a Crosswalk

A driver hits someone crossing the street and keeps going, leaving the injured person without any information. In this situation:

• Witness statements or dash cams from passing vehicles may be key
• UM bodily injury coverage may help with medical bills and time off work
• A timely police report is usually required for a UM claim

These cases often involve serious injuries, making quick medical care and legal guidance essential.

A High-Speed Highway Hit-and-Run

A driver is sideswiped at highway speed, triggering a multi-vehicle crash while the at-fault vehicle speeds off. What typically happens next:

• UM can help compensate for pain, suffering, and long-term effects
• Attorneys may work with law enforcement to secure traffic or toll-road video

Higher-impact collisions often involve longer recoveries and more complex insurance claims.

Be More Prepared After a Hit-and-Run

While every hit-and-run is different, the previous situations show a few important themes, including how evidence disappears quickly, time matters, and insurance coverage can work differently depending on how the crash happened. In each case, reporting the crash, seeking medical attention, and documenting what you can makes a meaningful difference in how smoothly the claim process goes.

The examples above also illustrate why uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is so valuable. When the at-fault driver can’t be identified, UM may be the only way to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term effects. Even if law enforcement later locates the driver, having an attorney involved early can help preserve evidence, meet reporting requirements, and avoid insurance delays.

Knowing what to expect doesn’t take away the stress of a hit-and-run, but it can give you a clearer sense of what comes next; it will also help you take steps that protect your health, your claim, and your peace of mind.

What Are Some of the Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After a hit-and-run, it’s easy to act on instinct or overlook steps that seem minor in the moment. Unfortunately, certain decisions can make it harder to prove what happened or access the insurance coverage you may need. After an accident, be sure to avoid these common missteps:

• Posting photos or statements on social media
• Failing to get medical treatment right away
• Delaying the police report
• Giving a recorded statement without legal guidance

These missteps can weaken your claim or give insurers reasons to deny coverage.

What Are Some of the Important State Laws in Texas That Affect Hit-and-Run Claims?

Hit-and-run rules aren’t the same everywhere. Reporting requirements, insurance benefits, and legal deadlines depend on where the crash happens.

In Texas:

• Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021
• Texas drivers must carry minimum liability insurance, but UM/UIM is optional unless rejected in writing
• Insurers often require a police report before paying UM benefits
• Injury lawsuits generally have a two-year deadline under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003; however, a lawsuit against your Uninsured Motorist carrier carries a longer deadline. It is best to consult with an attorney to establish your proper statute of limitations.

Understanding these rules early can help protect your right to pursue compensation.

When Should You Contact an Attorney Regarding a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Hit-and-run cases involve unique challenges. Especially when injuries are serious or the driver is never identified. An experienced injury lawyer can help by:

• Preserving and obtaining evidence (video, witness statements, police records)
• Working directly with insurers so you don’t feel pressured
• Evaluating UM/UIM and PIP benefits
• Protecting your rights from the very beginning

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to navigate the pain or process alone. RTRLAW’s Texas personal injury team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you move forward. Reach out today for a free case review.