Hit-and-Run Accident Settlement Process

A hit and run accident settlement may still be possible even if the driver is never identified. In Arizona, an injured person may be able to seek compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage, if they have it. 

If the driver is found, a claim may instead be made against their liability insurance. The amount available depends on factors such as insurance policy limits, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and the evidence supporting the claim.

After a hit-and-run, reporting the crash, seeking medical care, preserving evidence such as surveillance footage and witness information, and notifying your insurer can all affect an uninsured motorist claim in Arizona. If the driver is found but does not have enough insurance, underinsured motorist coverage may also apply. 

A Phoenix car accident attorney can help investigate the crash, evaluate available coverage, document your losses, and handle negotiations with the insurance company.

Hit-and-Run Settlement Process Overview

If the Hit-and-Run Driver Cannot Be Located

Not every accident has witnesses or CCTV cameras recording the scene. When a driver is unlicensed, uninsured, intoxicated, or wanted by the police, they may flee the scene of an accident. 

The best thing to do in these situations is to provide the police with as much information as possible regarding the offender’s vehicle. Next, visit the hospital to ensure there are no hidden injuries as a result of the crash.

After this, your next call should be to a personal injury attorney like Gage Mathers. We can take the details of your case, inform you of your rights to compensation, and begin representing you immediately. 

If the hit-and-run driver is never located, you’ll want to utilize the uninsured motorist coverage included in your insurance policy. Many insurance companies include these automatically in full coverage policies unless a customer opts out. Most policies have coverage limits, but it is sometimes possible to spread damages across multiple categories to recover the largest amount possible.

In most cases, these settlements are handled out of court quickly. Should a trial be necessary, Gage Mathers is ready to stand with you.

If the Hit-and-Run Driver is Found

Police understand the value of how traffic cameras aid hit-and-run cases. They can often locate a vehicle further down the road to see a license plate. 

Cases with a known counterparty are often eligible for larger payouts because the other party is largely responsible. Courts do not look favorably on those who attempt to evade the law through hit-and-run, thanks to an understanding of how traffic laws impact accident rates.  

In addition to a large settlement, courts may also force the offender to pay additional punitive damages as punishment for trying to flee. To avoid further trouble for the offending driver during trial, many of these cases can be settled out of court quickly.

Trust the Team at Gage Mathers

The hit-and-run settlement process depends largely on whether the at-fault driver is identified. If the driver is found, the claim is typically handled through their insurance policy, similar to a standard car accident case, though fleeing the scene can impact liability and settlement value. In some cases, additional damages may also be considered depending on the circumstances of the crash.

If the driver is not located, recovery often shifts to the victim’s own insurance coverage, most commonly uninsured motorist benefits or other applicable policy provisions. These coverages can help pay for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages, but policy limits and documentation requirements will affect the final outcome.

Because hit-and-run claims can involve missing evidence, insurance disputes, and strict deadlines, early action is important. At Gage Mathers, we help accident victims understand their options, identify available coverage, and pursue fair compensation through the settlement process!

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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