Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a serious crime in Arizona. But the criminal law does not solve the victim's immediate problem: you are injured, your car is damaged, and the person responsible has disappeared. Fortunately, you are not necessarily left without recourse.
A Serious Crime, and a Real Problem for Victims
Hit-and-runs happen across Arizona, from busy Phoenix streets to dark rural highways, and they leave victims feeling helpless. Knowing your options changes that.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is Your Safety Net
The most important protection in a hit-and-run is your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Because a fleeing driver is, for claim purposes, effectively uninsured, UM coverage is designed to step in and pay for your injuries when there is no at-fault driver to pursue.
Arizona requires insurers to offer UM coverage, so many drivers have it. This is exactly the situation it exists for, and it can make the difference between recovery and ruin after a hit-and-run.
Steps to Take After the Driver Flees
Try to note everything you can about the fleeing vehicle, make, model, color, partial plate, direction of travel. Call 911 immediately; a prompt police report is important both for the investigation and for your UM claim. Look for witnesses and any nearby surveillance or traffic cameras that might have captured the vehicle.
Seek medical care right away, and report the crash to your own insurer to begin the UM process. Be careful, though, your own insurer may still try to minimize the claim.
Protecting Your Hit-and-Run Claim
UM claims after a hit-and-run can be surprisingly contentious, since you are dealing with your own insurer who would rather pay less. Documentation and prompt reporting are essential. A free review can help you navigate the UM process and pursue the full value of your coverage.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Arizona attorney.