Reviewed by Kara H. North, Managing Attorney at Moxie Law Group. Reviewed February 23, 2023.

Yes! You can. Even if the person at-fault for the collision has left the scene, you can still get some compensation through a benefit you’ve already paid for with your own insurance. Knowing how to access that benefit can be difficult without an experienced Utah personal injury lawyer. 

“If I Have Injuries from a Hit and Run Accident, Can a Utah Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?”

If you’ve sustained injuries from a hit-and-run accident, a Utah car accident lawyer may still be able to help you file a personal injury claim, Even if the person who caused the hit-and-run accident is never apprehended, as long as the police report confirms that the individual is unknown or fled the scene, you can still make a claim for your personal injury case as long as you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own insurance policy. 

How Does the Car Accident Claims Process Work?

Let’s say you were in a car crash, and sustained severe injuries in the automobile accident, and the other driver stayed on the scene.  Let’s assume it was determined that the other driver is the at-fault party. You need medical treatment for brain injuries sustained in the aforementioned automobile accident. You need financial compensation for your medical bills so you file a car accident claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. However, the insurance company isn’t great to work with. Is the Initial Insurance offer low? Do you know it won’t cover the cost of your medical bills, and you’ll probably have future medical expenses too. In this case, you might hire a personal injury attorney. Personal injury attorneys have a good understanding of Utah car accident laws. Therefore, they can help car accident victims seek compensation by negotiating a settlement with the insurance company. Although you may worry that this means your settlement money is going to hire the attorney, that’s not necessarily the case. Insurance companies nationally, have acknowledged that they pay people with attorneys more than they pay people without them. Having an attorney will get you more money in your pocket, and provide for the attorney’s fees.

What Do You Do If There’s a Hit and Run?

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, it’s vital that you file a police report. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may want to use the non-emergency line to report the vehicle accident and the hit-and-run driver. Make sure the police report documents any security cameras or potential witnesses. Once it’s confirmed that your collision was the result of the hit and run and that the responsible driver cannot be found, your Utah car accident lawyer will be able to file a claim with your own insurance to get your medical bills and property damage addressed. Although it may seem unfair to have your insurance pay for your injuries when it wasn’t your fault, remember that these types of claims do not increase your monthly insurance premiums for exactly that reason, it wasn’t your fault. It’s also important to remember, that this is a benefit you are already paying for when you make your monthly insurance premium payments. You are entitled and should use this benefit when needed.

What to Do After a Hit and Run in Utah

If another driver hits you and takes off, a few steps protect both your safety and your claim. Get to a safe spot and check for injuries, call the police so there is an official report, write down anything you remember about the other vehicle, look for witnesses and nearby cameras, and photograph the scene and the damage. The more detail you capture early, the better your chances of identifying the driver or recovering another way.

How You Can Still Recover: Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Even if the driver is never found, you are not necessarily out of options. Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy is designed for exactly this situation and can pay for injuries when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Reviewing your policy quickly matters, because these claims come with their own notice deadlines.

Hit and Run FAQs

What happens if the hit and run driver is never caught?

Your uninsured motorist coverage may still pay for your injuries and losses, which is one reason that coverage is so valuable.

Should I call the police for a hit and run?

Yes. A police report creates an official record that supports both any investigation and your insurance claim.

Can I recover for a hit and run in Utah?

Often yes, through your own coverage or from the driver if identified. Our Utah car accident attorneys can help you pursue every available source.

Injured in a Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced attorney who boasts a deep understanding of personal injury law. When it comes to fatal accidents caused by drunk driving or distracted driving, You need a personal injury lawyer who can give you the legal representation you deserve. At Moxie Law Group, we give all potential clients a free consultation to help them determine if filing a claim would be in their best interests. If you’ve suffered injuries, and you’re ready to speak with an expert in personal injury law, contact Moxie Law Group today to get started on your free consultation.