Posted on Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at 9:00 am
You’re driving down Little Cottonwood Road when, out of nowhere, a driver runs a red light and slams into the side of your car. Your head’s throbbing, and you’re seeing stars, but through the confusion, you can also see the other driver peeling out and speeding away. Now you’re at the accident scene alone, in pain, starting to wonder how you’re going to pay for the damage without the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage. What should you do if you were a victim in a hit-and-run car accident?
It’s a frustrating experience, but you should know that you still have paths toward fair compensation available to you. Let an experienced Utah car accident lawyer help you explore them.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide their contact information, render aid, or report the incident to authorities. These accidents can involve other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or property. They vary in severity from minor fender benders to fatal crashes. In Utah, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious legal offense that can result in criminal charges, fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances. For their part, victims often struggle with injuries, vehicle damage, and financial burdens, especially if they cannot identify the responsible driver.
A driver may flee the scene for any number of reasons, including fear of legal consequences, lack of insurance, intoxication, or panic. However, failing to stop can worsen the situation for all parties involved. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, it’s important to report the incident immediately, gather as much information as possible, and contact your insurance provider, as you should have access to certain coverage through Utah’s mandatory no-fault insurance.
Legal Options for Hit-and-Run Victims
You likely have several options available to you after a hit-and-run accident. First, Utah has mandatory no-fault auto insurance called personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP pays for necessary medical expenses, loss of income, and certain essential services after an accident, regardless of who caused it. Policies must cover a minimum of $3,000.
You may also have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. This type of coverage assumes liability on behalf of a driver who lacks liability insurance—including one who doesn’t have insurance because they’ve fled the scene. Uninsured motorist coverage typically has the same minimum limits as the driver’s liability policy. Minimum amounts are as follows:
$25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, or a combined single limit of $80,000
$15,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
Not sure you have uninsured motorist coverage? The good news is that you likely do. This coverage is part of all auto insurance policies by default. A purchaser must reject it in writing, so if you didn’t do that, you should have this valuable safety net.
Another optional coverage that might come into play is collision coverage. This pays for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, regardless of who’s at fault.
You can also use your own health insurance to help cover the costs of medical treatment. However, using this money involves meeting deductibles and limits.
Of course, in the event that police eventually discover the hit-and-run driver, you can pursue a lawsuit against that person. Note, though, that you may need to use any money you’re able to recover this way to pay back your insurers for the money they’ve already spent on you.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Building a strong case for compensation starts at the scene of the hit-and-run accident. Here are the steps you can take while you’re there:
Stay Calm and Safe – Move to a safe location if possible, but do not chase the fleeing driver.
Check for Injuries – Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
Call the Police – Report the hit-and-run to law enforcement immediately. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and investigations.
Next, start to gather evidence:
Take Note of Details – Write down everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate (even a partial number), and any distinguishing features.
Look for Witnesses – Ask bystanders if they saw anything and collect their contact information.
Take Photos and Videos – Capture pictures of your vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area.
Check for Surveillance Cameras – Look for traffic or security cameras that may have recorded the incident.
Once you’re away from the scene, you can start pursuing your claim by taking the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention – Get checked out even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not appear immediately.
File an Insurance Claim – Notify your insurance company and provide them with all the info you gathered.
Follow Up with Authorities – Stay in touch with the police for any updates on the investigation.
Last, but perhaps most importantly, consider getting legal help. An experienced hit-and-run accident attorney understands the confusing ins and outs of these cases and how to navigate them toward maximum compensation.
Compensation for Hit-and-Run Victims
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you could deserve compensation for your:
Past and future medical expenses
Lost income and diminished earning potential
Property damage, including to your vehicle
Reduced quality of life
Getting this compensation could be hard, though, so it’s a good idea to reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer for help.
Get Help from a Hit-and-Run Attorney in Utah
Are you dealing with the painful, frustrating aftermath of a hit-and-run accident in Utah? Don’t face this challenging time alone. Instead, get help from the team at London Harker Injury Law. Our experienced Utah hit-and-run accident lawyers can investigate what happened, identify all available sources for compensation, and pursue your claims on your behalf. We can also coordinate with law enforcement about their ongoing investigations.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact our law firm today at (772) 272-7274 or through our online form, and let’s get started on your claims right away.
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