What Should I Do If I'm Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident? Your Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Pursuing Compensation

Prioritize Safety and Call 911

The first and most important step is to make sure you and any passengers are safe. Move your vehicle out of the roadway if possible and call 911 to report the crash. Emergency responders can check for injuries, and police will begin the process of documenting the accident. Even if you believe your injuries are minor or there’s limited vehicle damage, reporting the accident is essential in hit-and-run cases.

Try to Gather Information

While the other driver may have fled, any details you can remember could help law enforcement track them down. Make note of:

The fleeing vehicle’s make, model, and color.

Any part of the license plate you recall.

The direction the driver fled.

The time and location of the crash.

Contact information for any witnesses.

Photos or video from your phone—or even nearby businesses or traffic cameras—could also be valuable evidence.

File a Police Report

In Maryland, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. Filing a police report ensures the incident is officially documented and may assist in locating the responsible driver. Be honest and thorough when giving your account. Make sure to obtain a copy of the report, as it will be crucial for filing insurance claims, especially if the driver is not found.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You should contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the hit and run accident. Even though the other driver fled, you may be eligible for compensation under your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. In Maryland, uninsured motorist coverage is required by law and typically applies in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. UM coverage can help pay for:

Medical bills

Lost wages

Vehicle repairs

Pain and suffering

Be sure to review your policy details and deadlines for filing a claim. If you delay, you could lose important benefits.

If you have been involved in a car accident, talk to our team of dedicated car accident attorneys at Poole Law Group: 301-790-3600. We offer free consultations, seven days a week.

Contact a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies may not always offer the full compensation you’re entitled to—especially in hit-and-run cases. A skilled Maryland car accident lawyer can help you:

Evaluate your claim
Negotiate with the insurance company
Gather evidence to support your case
Pursue a lawsuit if necessary

An attorney can also advise on other potential sources of compensation, such as victims’ funds or pursuing civil claims if the driver is eventually identified.

Follow Up on Medical Care and Document Everything

Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately after the crash, it’s important to see a doctor. Some injuries take hours or days to appear, and early documentation helps connect your injuries to the accident. Keep detailed records of:

Medical visits and bills
Time missed from work
Vehicle repair estimates
Communication with your insurer

These records will support your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation.

A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling powerless—but you don’t have to handle it alone. By acting quickly, documenting everything, and working with law enforcement and a trusted attorney, you can protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run in Maryland, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can guide you through the uninsured motorist claim process and pursue justice—even when the other driver is nowhere to be found.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Maryland Car Accident?

The experienced car accident lawyer team at the Poole Law Group wants to help you understand and protect your rights. Our tenacious lawyers are prepared to be your advocate from the moment you retain our services all the way through a trial if necessary.

We have offices in Hagerstown and Frederick, and we serve clients in Baltimore, Catonsville, Lutherville-Timonium, Towson, Hunt Valley, Potomac, Columbia, Germantown, Waldorf, Silver Spring, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Rockville, Dundalk, Severn, and Annapolis. Call the Poole Law Group at 301-790-3600 or contact us online for your free consultation.