Evidence Collection Tips for a Hit-and-Run

The best accident lawyers in Phoenix will tell you that quickly collecting evidence after a hit-and-run accident is critical to finding the at-fault driver and filing a claim for compensation (even if the driver who fled is never identified).

While the police will do their own investigation and issue an official report, it is best if you also collect whatever evidence is available as soon as possible after an accident. This might include taking photographs and videos, speaking with witnesses, exchanging contact and insurance information, and locating traffic cameras that may have captured the incident. 

What Is a Hit-and-Run in Arizona?

Every state has its own definition of what qualifies as a hit-and-run. In Arizona, drivers involved in an accident involving property damage, injury, or death have certain responsibilities, including:

• Stopping after an accident
• Notifying the police
• Providing reasonable aid to others at the scene until the police or medical personnel arrive
• Exchanging personal information with others involved in the accident

Fleeing the scene or failing to comply with any of these duties could lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances.

Evidence Needs to be Collected Immediately

Once the remnants of an accident are cleaned up, vital evidence could be gone forever. This is why it’s essential to understand the role of eyewitnesses in hit-and-run cases and the statute of limitations for hit-and-run claims.

The types of evidence that can easily disappear include:

• Physical: Skid marks fade over time, accident debris will be cleared from the site, vehicle damage will be repaired, cars can be towed to a junkyard, and bruises and injuries will heal.
• Video footage: Most traffic cameras record over existing footage after a certain number of days. Recordings from nearby buildings and residences may also be stored for a limited amount of time.
• Witness recollections: Eyewitness statements are often a primary source of evidence in hit-and-run accidents, used to determine fault. However, time has a way of eroding people’s memories.

If you’re a victim of an accident, do what you can to collect your own evidence. Take photos and videos of the scene, ask for contact information from anyone involved in the accident or who witnessed it, and take notes about the surroundings so you or your attorney can collect more evidence from sources the police may have missed.

Key Evidence in a Hit-and-Run Accident

How Your Attorney Approaches Evidence Collection

Proving that someone who fled the scene of an accident is at fault can be difficult. Even if the vehicle is identified, it’s hard to determine who was behind the wheel during a hit-and-run.

Gage Mathers has a proven track record representing accident victims. We will gather additional evidence to support your claim, identify all sources of potential compensation, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and go to court if a fair settlement can’t be reached. Reach out to us today for your free consultation!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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