A hit and run accident can leave you feeling shocked, angry, and unsure what to do next. Whether the crash happened on Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway), near Glendale Avenue, along 59th Avenue, or outside Westgate Entertainment District, fleeing drivers create serious legal and financial problems for victims.
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Glendale, Arizona, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and strengthen your car accident claim. The team at Valley Injury Law, serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, Glendale, and nearby communities, explains what you should do.
1. Call 911 Immediately
Always report a hit and run accident to the police.
Provide dispatch with:
- Your exact location
- A description of the fleeing vehicle
- The direction the vehicle traveled
- Any part of the license plate you remember
- A description of the driver (if possible)
Glendale Police officers may locate the driver quickly, especially if surveillance cameras captured the incident.
A police report also creates critical documentation for your insurance claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain.
Common hit and run injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
Get evaluated by a medical professional immediately. Medical records connect your injuries directly to the accident, which strengthens your personal injury claim.
Insurance companies often question injuries when victims delay treatment.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you can do so safely, collect as much information as possible:
- Photos of your vehicle damage
- Photos of debris or skid marks
- Pictures of the surrounding area
- Contact information from witnesses
Businesses near busy Glendale corridors may have surveillance cameras. An experienced personal injury lawyer Phoenix and Glendale residents trust can help obtain that footage before it gets erased.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
In hit and run cases, your own insurance policy often plays a key role.
You may file a claim under:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
- Collision coverage
- Medical payments (MedPay), if available
Arizona does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, but many policies include it. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses and other damages when the at-fault driver cannot be located.
Before giving a recorded statement, consider speaking with an experienced injury attorney near me to protect your rights.
5. Do Not Attempt to Chase the Driver
Never pursue a fleeing driver. Chasing them could:
- Put you at further risk
- Lead to another accident
- Complicate your legal claim
Let law enforcement handle the investigation.
6. Understand How Arizona Law Handles Hit and Run Accidents
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Arizona. Drivers must stop, provide information, and render aid.
If police identify the driver, you may pursue a personal injury claim directly against them.
If they do not locate the driver, you may still recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage.
A skilled car accident attorney Scottsdale and Glendale residents rely on can guide you through this process and ensure your insurer treats you fairly.
7. Know What Compensation You May Recover
Depending on your coverage and the facts of your case, you may recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Ongoing medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies sometimes treat uninsured motorist claims like any other claim — which means they may attempt to minimize payouts.
At Valley Injury Law, we aggressively negotiate to ensure our clients receive fair compensation.
8. Act Quickly to Protect Your Claim
In Arizona, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, acting quickly improves your case because:
- Evidence may disappear
- Witness memories fade
- Surveillance footage gets deleted
Early legal involvement strengthens your claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident in Glendale?
Many victims ask, “Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Phoenix or Glendale if the other driver fled?”
You should strongly consider legal help if:
- You suffered injuries
- Your insurance company disputes coverage
- Your uninsured motorist claim was denied
- You received a low settlement offer
- The accident caused significant financial loss
An experienced personal injury lawyer Phoenix accident victims trust can handle negotiations and protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Why Choose Valley Injury Law?
At Valley Injury Law, we proudly represent injury victims throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, Glendale, and surrounding Arizona communities.
When you hire our firm, you receive:
- Direct access to your attorney
- Personalized legal strategy
- Aggressive insurance negotiation
- No upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we win
- Deep knowledge of Arizona injury law and Maricopa County courts
We understand how stressful hit and run accidents can be. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence and financial security.
FAQs About Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident in Glendale, AZ
What should I do immediately after a hit and run in Glendale?
Call 911, seek medical attention, and report the accident to police right away.
What information should I try to gather?
Note the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate (even partial), and direction of travel.
Can I still recover compensation if the driver isn’t found?
Yes. You may file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage.
How long do I have to file a claim in Arizona?
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim.
Protect Your Rights After a Glendale Hit and Run
A fleeing driver does not eliminate your right to compensation. You still have options — and you do not have to face insurance companies alone.
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Glendale, Valley Injury Law is ready to fight for you.
Call today at (480) 490-9535 to schedule your free consultation!