A hit and run crash can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of your next step. One moment you are driving through Tempe, and the next, another driver has fled the scene. Therefore, knowing what to do — and who to call — matters greatly.
A skilled hit and run lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Moreover, having the right legal team in your corner can make a real difference in how your case unfolds.
At Valley Injury Law, we serve accident victims across the Greater Phoenix area, including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale. Our founding attorney, Travis Meltzer, spent years defending insurance companies. As a result, he knows exactly how insurers think — and how to fight back on your behalf.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident happens when a driver causes a collision and then leaves the scene without stopping. Additionally, they fail to exchange insurance information or provide help to injured parties. This is illegal in Arizona and can result in serious criminal penalties for the fleeing driver.
However, the bigger problem for victims is often practical. Because the at-fault driver is gone, you may wonder who pays for your injuries and vehicle damage. Fortunately, Arizona law and your own insurance policy may provide answers.
Common Types of Hit and Run Crashes
- Rear-end collisions at traffic lights or intersections
- Sideswipe accidents on freeways and surface streets
- Parking lot hit and run incidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents where the driver flees
- T-bone crashes at intersections
Each situation is unique. Therefore, it is important to speak with a hit and run lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
What to Do After a Hit and Run in Tempe
The moments after a hit and run can feel overwhelming. However, the steps you take right away can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation later.
Stay at the Scene and Call 911
First, stay at the scene of the accident. Call 911 immediately to report the crash. Also, provide police with as many details as you can about the fleeing vehicle — color, make, model, and any partial plate numbers you remember.
Gather Evidence
Next, document everything you can. Take photos of your vehicle damage, any debris left behind, and the surrounding area. Additionally, look for nearby businesses or traffic cameras that may have captured the incident on video.
Look for Witnesses
Talk to anyone nearby who may have seen the crash. Witness statements can be invaluable. Furthermore, ask if anyone captured the accident on a dashcam or cell phone.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor promptly. Some injuries — such as whiplash or internal trauma — do not show symptoms right away. Because of this, a medical evaluation creates an important record that supports your claim.
Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer
Finally, reach out to an experienced hit and run lawyer before speaking with any insurance company. Insurers — including your own — may try to minimize your payout. Having legal representation from the start protects your interests.
How Does Compensation Work in a Hit and Run Case?
Many victims assume that if the at-fault driver cannot be found, they have no options. On the other hand, Arizona law provides important protections that may still allow you to recover compensation.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is designed specifically for situations like hit and runs. Therefore, it can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering — even when the other driver is unknown or uninsured.
In Arizona, insurers are required to offer UM coverage. However, not every driver accepts it. If you have it, your hit and run lawyer can work directly with your own insurer to maximize your recovery.
If the Driver Is Later Identified
Sometimes, police investigation or traffic camera footage leads to identifying the fleeing driver. In that case, you may be able to file a personal injury claim directly against them. Moreover, criminal charges against the driver may support your civil case.
Other Potential Sources of Compensation
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage on your policy
- Collision coverage for vehicle repair or replacement
- Third-party liability if a defective road condition contributed to the crash
Additionally, a thorough investigation may uncover other liable parties. Because of this, working with a knowledgeable attorney is essential to identifying every avenue of recovery.
Why Hire a Hit and Run Lawyer in Tempe?
Navigating a hit and run claim is rarely simple. Insurance companies — even your own — have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to limit payouts. Therefore, having an experienced advocate on your side levels the playing field.
Inside Knowledge of Insurance Tactics
At Valley Injury Law, attorney Travis Meltzer spent years on the insurance defense side. He has seen firsthand how insurers evaluate and undervalue claims. As a result, he knows which arguments they use and how to counter them effectively.
Personalized Attention for Every Client
We do not treat clients like case numbers. Furthermore, we take time to understand your specific situation and build a strategy tailored to your needs. Whether your accident happened near Arizona State University, along Mill Avenue, or on the Loop 202, we are familiar with Tempe and the surrounding communities.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Therefore, there is no financial risk to getting the legal help you need right now.
We also serve clients throughout Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and the broader Phoenix metro area. So no matter where your accident occurred, Valley Injury Law is ready to help.
How Valley Injury Law Builds Your Hit and Run Case
From the moment you contact us, we begin working on your case. First, we conduct a thorough review of the police report, your insurance policy, and any available evidence. Additionally, we work to identify witnesses and track down surveillance footage.
Next, we communicate directly with your insurance company so you do not have to. We handle the back-and-forth and push back against lowball offers. Moreover, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court.
Our goal is always the same: to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost income, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit and Run Claims in Arizona
What if the police cannot find the driver who hit me?
You may still have options. Your uninsured motorist coverage can apply even when the at-fault driver is never identified. Therefore, your own policy may be your primary source of compensation. A hit and run lawyer can review your coverage and guide you through the process.
How long do I have to file a claim in Arizona?
Arizona generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, acting quickly is important. Evidence can disappear, and witnesses’ memories fade over time. Furthermore, some insurance policies have shorter deadlines for reporting accidents.
Does my insurance rate go up if I file a hit and run claim?
In many cases, filing an uninsured motorist claim for a hit and run does not cause your rates to increase, since you were not at fault. However, every policy is different. Therefore, it is worth reviewing your policy and speaking with an attorney before filing.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the crash. However, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. A hit and run lawyer can help evaluate the facts and protect your interests.
What if the hit and run resulted in a loved one’s death?
If you lost a family member in a hit and run crash, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage may still apply. These cases are deeply painful, and we handle them with the care and respect your family deserves.
Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer in Tempe Today
A hit and run crash is frightening. However, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Valley Injury Law is here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
We offer free case reviews with no obligation. Furthermore, because we work on contingency, getting started costs you nothing. Our team serves Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and communities across Arizona.
Do not wait to get legal help. Contact Valley Injury Law today to schedule your free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.