A hit and run accident can leave you feeling shocked, angry, and unsure of what to do next. Whether the crash happened on I-10, Loop 101, Camelback Road, or at a busy downtown Phoenix intersection, the fact that the other driver fled the scene makes the situation even more stressful.
However, even if the at-fault driver leaves, you still have legal options under Arizona injury law.
At Valley Injury Law, we help hit and run victims throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, and surrounding Arizona communities pursue the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been involved in a hit and run crash, here are the critical steps to take.
1. Call 911 Immediately
First and foremost, call law enforcement right away.
Under Arizona law, drivers are required to stop after an accident involving injury or property damage. Leaving the scene is a crime. Reporting the accident immediately:
- Creates an official police report
- Increases the chance of locating the fleeing driver
- Documents the time and location of the crash
- Supports your insurance claim
If possible, provide dispatch with any details you remember about the vehicle, such as:
- Make and model
- Color
- License plate number (even partial)
- Direction of travel
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical care immediately. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Back and spinal injuries
Prompt medical treatment protects your health and creates documentation for your car accident claim in Arizona.
A personal injury lawyer Phoenix residents trust will emphasize the importance of connecting your injuries directly to the accident.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, document the scene.
Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Debris from the fleeing vehicle
- Skid marks
- Traffic signals
- Road conditions
- Your visible injuries
Also speak to witnesses. Nearby drivers or pedestrians may have seen the vehicle flee or captured footage on dashcams.
Evidence gathered early can significantly strengthen your case.
4. Check for Nearby Surveillance Footage
In Phoenix, many intersections and businesses have surveillance cameras. Nearby gas stations, retail stores, or apartment complexes may have captured the crash or the fleeing vehicle.
Act quickly — surveillance footage is often erased within days.
An experienced car accident attorney Scottsdale and Phoenix residents rely on can request and preserve this evidence before it disappears.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
In hit and run accidents, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage often becomes critical.
Uninsured motorist coverage may apply when:
- The at-fault driver is unknown
- The driver has no insurance
- The driver cannot be located
Although you are dealing with your own insurance company, remember that insurers may still try to minimize payouts.
Before giving a recorded statement, consider consulting an injury attorney near me to protect your rights.
6. Understand Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Law
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means:
- You can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
In hit and run cases, insurance companies sometimes argue that the victim contributed to the accident. Therefore, strong documentation is essential.
7. Consider All Possible Sources of Compensation
In addition to uninsured motorist coverage, other potential sources may include:
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage
- Medical payment (MedPay) coverage
- Health insurance
- Third-party liability (in rare cases involving additional negligent parties)
A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Phoenix can review your insurance policy and identify every available source of recovery.
8. Avoid Common Mistakes
After a hit and run accident, avoid:
- Delaying medical care
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Accepting a quick settlement offer
- Assuming you have no case because the driver fled
Even if the at-fault driver is never identified, you may still recover compensation.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Phoenix, you may be entitled to recover:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Ongoing medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Arizona does not cap compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. Therefore, your claim should reflect the full extent of your losses.
Why Choose Valley Injury Law?
Hit and run cases can be complex, especially when dealing with uninsured motorist claims. At Valley Injury Law, we:
- Conduct independent investigations
- Preserve critical evidence
- Review insurance policies carefully
- Handle all communication with insurers
- Negotiate aggressively
- Prepare cases for litigation when necessary
We proudly serve clients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, and surrounding Arizona communities.
There are no upfront fees. You only pay if we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover compensation if the driver is never found?
Yes. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may still pursue compensation through your own insurance policy.
Is leaving the scene of an accident illegal in Arizona?
Yes. Hit and run accidents are criminal offenses and can result in severe penalties for the fleeing driver.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Arizona?
In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit and run claim?
Because insurance companies may dispute uninsured motorist claims, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer Phoenix residents trust can significantly improve your chances of full compensation.
If you were injured in a hit and run accident in Phoenix, you still have options — and you do not have to handle the situation alone.
Call today at (480) 490-9535 to schedule your free consultation!