A hit-and-run accident can leave you shaken, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next, especially if you're left paying for damages with no at-fault driver in sight. On top of that, many people worry about whether filing a hit-and-run claim will cause their insurance premiums to skyrocket.
At Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how confusing and stressful these situations can be. Based in Arizona, our firm has established a reputation for helping injured parties recover compensation in complex accident cases, including those involving hit-and-run incidents.
We guide clients through the insurance claim process, advocate for fair outcomes, and work directly with the insurance company to fight for what you’re owed. If you've been left at the scene with injuries and unanswered questions, you're not alone. Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to protect your rights every step of the way.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver causes a car accident and then leaves the accident scene without stopping to provide contact information, render aid, or report the incident to law enforcement. These crashes can happen in a variety of scenarios, such as:
- Being struck while parked on the street or in a parking lot
- Collisions at intersections or in traffic
- Side-swipes on highways or rural roads
- Pedestrian accidents where the driver flees on foot or in a vehicle
In Arizona and most other states, it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident, particularly when there are injuries, property damage, or fatalities involved. Penalties for hit-and-run drivers can range from hefty fines to felony charges, depending on the severity of the accident and the resulting damage.
But while the legal system may pursue the responsible party, the financial burden often falls on the victim in the short term, especially when it comes to car insurance.
Will a Hit-and-Run Claim Raise My Insurance?
One of the most common questions we hear from clients is: Will a hit-and-run claim affect my insurance rates? The short answer? It depends.
If You’re Not at Fault, Rates May Not Increase
In many cases, if you're not the at-fault driver, your insurance provider may not raise your rates. After all, you weren’t the one who caused the accident; you were the victim. That said, each insurance company evaluates claim history differently, and some may still increase premiums even for no-fault claims, especially if you’ve filed multiple claims in recent years.
Your State’s Insurance Laws Matter
Arizona law doesn’t require no-fault insurance, which means accident liability is typically assigned to the party who caused the crash. In hit-and-run situations where the at-fault driver can’t be located, your uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) may come into play to cover medical expenses or property damage.
Some states follow no-fault insurance systems, where each driver’s own insurance pays for personal injury protection (PIP coverage) regardless of fault. In these states, the rules around rate increases may differ.
Claim Type Affects Rate Changes
Whether your hit-and-run claim affects your premium also depends on which type of coverage you use:
- Collision coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle from the accident, regardless of fault. Using this may come with a deductible and could impact your rate.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Covers injuries and property damage when the other driver is unknown or uninsured. Filing under this typically won’t raise your premium if you're not at fault, but some insurers may still consider it a “loss.”
- Comprehensive coverage: Sometimes applies in parked car scenarios. It may not affect your rate.
The best way to know how a claim will impact your rate is to review your insurance policy or consult with a lawyer and your insurer.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Filing an insurance claim after a hit-and-run accident is only one part of the process. What you do in the moments and hours after the incident can affect your ability to recover damages and hold the responsible party accountable.
Call the Police
Always file a police report. It's a critical piece of documentation for your insurance company and any future legal claims. Provide as many details as possible about the hit-and-run driver, including:
- Vehicle make, model, or color
- License plate (even partial info helps)
- The direction they fled
- Witness statements
Gather Evidence
Take photos of:
- Damage to your car
- Skid marks or debris
- The scene (traffic signs, lights, location)
Eyewitnesses, surveillance footage, and dash cam recordings can also help establish what happened and strengthen your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, it’s essential to be evaluated by a medical professional. Injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show symptoms right away. Medical records will also support your claim for personal injuries, lost wages, and medical bills.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your insurance company of the incident as soon as possible. Ask them what type of coverage applies, collision, PIP, or uninsured motorist, and confirm how a hit-and-run claim might impact your insurance rates.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
Before agreeing to a settlement or giving a statement, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers offers free consultations and can help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your compensation.
How Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers Helps Victims of Hit-and-Run Accidents
At Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re deeply committed to helping injured Arizonans navigate the complicated aftermath of hit-and-run accidents. Our legal team offers personalized services to help clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Here’s how we can assist:
Thorough Case Review
We analyze the circumstances of the accident, examine your insurance coverage, and evaluate all available options for pursuing compensation, whether through your own insurer, another policy, or a civil lawsuit.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
We deal directly with the insurance provider, so you don’t have to. We understand how insurers operate and what tactics they use to reduce payouts. We advocate for your best interests and fight to ensure your policy limits are honored.
Pursuing Uninsured Motorist Claims
If the hit-and-run driver can't be found, we help you file an uninsured motorist claim. This coverage can pay for medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages, depending on your policy.
Litigation Against Known Drivers
In some cases, law enforcement may later identify the driver involved. If that happens, we can pursue legal action against the responsible party to recover full damages, including those not covered by your insurance.
Common Myths About Hit-and-Run Claims and Insurance
Myth 1: Insurance Will Always Raise Your Rates
Not necessarily. If you’re not at fault, many insurance companies won’t penalize you. Rate increases often depend on the insurer’s policy, your claim history, and the state’s laws. Some insurers even offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent rate hikes after your first incident. It’s always wise to review your policy details or speak with a representative to understand how your provider handles hit-and-run claims.
Myth 2: You Can’t Recover Damages Without the Other Driver
You may still recover compensation through your own collision coverage, PIP, or uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help you identify all available avenues.
Myth 3: Filing a Claim Isn’t Worth It for Minor Damage
Reality: Even seemingly minor accidents can result in hidden injuries or property damage. Filing a timely claim protects your ability to recover costs if new issues arise later.
Myth 4: If It Happened in a Parking Lot, It’s Not a Hit-and-Run
A parked car that’s damaged by another vehicle, where the other driver fails to leave a note or report the accident, is legally still considered a hit-and-run in Arizona.
Protecting Yourself Before a Hit-and-Run Happens
While you can’t prevent someone else from driving recklessly, you can protect yourself by reviewing your insurance coverage and ensuring you have adequate uninsured motorist and collision coverage. These additions may cost a bit more, but they can provide crucial financial protection in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
Also consider:
- Installing a dash cam to capture potential incidents
- Parking in well-lit, high-visibility areas
- Keeping your insurance information and medical records up to date
Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers: Your Advocate After a Hit-and-Run
The legal and financial chaos that follows a hit-and-run can leave victims feeling powerless, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help injured parties fight for the compensation they deserve, even when the other driver disappears. Our team brings experience, empathy, and aggressive advocacy to every case, ensuring you're not left picking up the pieces without support.
If you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident in Arizona, reach out to Wyatt Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation. We’ll help you understand your insurance options, fight for fair compensation, and handle the legal aspects so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today.