A hit-and-run can leave you dealing with injuries or vehicle damage while knowing very little about the driver who caused the crash. You may not know where to turn or how you can recover your losses. Kentucky law places duties on drivers involved in qualifying accidents, but you still have options even if the other driver leaves the scene.
Here are the steps you can take in this situation.
Get to safety and call 911
Your first priority should remain your safety and the safety of anyone else involved. Tell the 911 operator that another driver struck you and fled. Give officers every detail you remember about the vehicle and where it went. Calling the authorities as early as possible allows them to provide you with immediate assistance and can also increase the chances of them finding the driver who caused the accident.
Get medical attention for your injuries
A medical evaluation can identify injuries that you may not notice immediately after a crash. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments as directed. Keep track of your treatment and related expenses.
Record everything you remember
Write down details about the fleeing vehicle and crash while your memory remains fresh. Useful information can include:
- The vehicle’s make, model and color
- Its license plate number or even part of the plate
- The direction it traveled
- The location and approximate time of the collision
- Names and contact information for witnesses
If you can do so safely, photograph your vehicle, the crash scene and your visible injuries. These details may help investigators identify the other driver or establish what happened.
Notify your insurance company
Report the hit-and-run to your insurance company and explain that the other driver fled. Give the insurer the information you have, including the police report if you receive one.
Kentucky generally requires automobile liability policies to include uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury unless the named insured rejects it in writing. That coverage may provide an option for seeking compensation when you cannot identify the driver who caused your injuries.
Preserve your accident-related records
Keep your accident-related records together so you can track your losses and support your claim. These may include:
- Medical bills and treatment records
- Vehicle repair estimates and receipts
- Records of accident-related expenses
- Insurance correspondence
- The police report and photographs
Keeping these materials organized can make it easier to account for what the crash has cost you.
Protect your right to compensation after a hit-and-run
You may still have options for seeking compensation when investigators cannot identify the driver. A lawyer can review your insurance policy, available evidence and accident-related records to determine what coverage or legal options may apply. They can help you understand your options and decide what steps make sense given the situation so you can still focus on your recovery.