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When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you can usually go after the drivers who caused the crash for any damages or losses you experienced. However, if a driver flees the scene, filing a claim without an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer by your side can be challenging.
Being in an accident is stressful, and people may panic and speed away. Even though fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal in Arizona, it does happen. The driver could be under the influence, uninsured, undocumented, driving without a license, or driving a stolen car.
Arizona law mandates that anyone involved in an accident must provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license information to the other parties. Drivers must also give ‘reasonable assistance’ to victims who need help. If they don’t, they may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.
Keep in mind that even if the driver is found, they may not have an insurance policy that covers your injuries or losses.
| Step | What You Should Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Call the police | Report the accident immediately and request an official report. | Creates an official record and supports your claim |
| Seek medical attention | Get evaluated even if injuries seem minor. | Documents injuries and links them to the crash |
| Collect vehicle details | Note make, model, color, damage, and any plate information. | Helps identify the fleeing driver |
| Record witness information | Gather names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash. | Provides independent accounts of what happened |
| Notify your insurer | Report the accident as soon as possible. | Many policies have strict reporting deadlines |
| Preserve evidence | Take photos, videos, and notes from the scene. | Strengthens your ability to prove your claim |
| Track potential damages | Keep records of medical costs, repairs, and lost income. | Supports compensation calculations |
Protecting your rights after a rear-end accident or hit-and-run accident is essential. You may be able to negotiate a quick settlement if the driver is found, but you need to consider other options just in case.
Call the police and get medical attention immediately. The police will document the scene and collect evidence, and you will need medical documentation of your injuries if you file a claim.
Any information you can provide (e.g., make, model, color, dents, or other distinguishing features of the vehicle; any numbers or letters on the license plate, physical features of the driver, etc.) can help the police locate a hit-and-run driver. Keep notes and photos, if possible, so you don’t forget any details. As for the role of eyewitnesses in hit-and-run cases, their accounts are valuable here, as well.
Call your insurance company as soon as you can and explain what happened. Your policy may require that you file a report within a certain number of days after an accident.
When a driver leaves the scene of an accident, they look guilty. If they are found, you may receive punitive damages, which can be substantial, in addition to compensation for your losses.
In Arizona, hit-and-run drivers are considered uninsured drivers. If the driver isn’t found, you may be able to recover damages if you have uninsured motorist insurance. While uninsured coverage is optional, you must decline it in writing. Otherwise, you probably have it, even if you don’t know it.
In addition, your collision coverage should help pay for repairs to your vehicle. If your auto insurance includes medical coverage, this may cover medical expenses not covered by health insurance.
If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run, you want an experienced legal team like Gage Mathers fighting for your rights. We will pursue every legal channel available to get you the maximum compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
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