What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Utah

Being involved in a car accident is scary enough, but when the other driver flees the scene, it can feel even more overwhelming. Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common. Utah had 230 hit-and-runs in 2024 and 56 in the first three months of 2025. 

If you find yourself in this tough spot, you might have plenty of questions. You’ll wonder what happens after a hit-and-run accident, how you can report it, and what your next legal steps should be. 

Let’s explain what you should do after a hit-and-run car accident in Utah. 

Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

First things first, take a deep breath. It’s understandable to feel upset or panicked when you’re in a hit-and-run accident, but staying calm will help you focus on what needs to be done. 

Make sure your vehicle is safely pulled to the side of the road if you can drive it. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to get medical attention.

Even if you feel okay, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor later. Some injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, might not show symptoms right away. 

Getting medical attention immediately after your hit-and-run accident, even if you think you’re fine, can help identify these hidden injuries. It also documents your medical condition right after the accident, making it easier to connect injuries to the incident if you need to make a claim.

Gather as Much Information as Possible

Hit and run accidents can be devastating, and since the other driver has fled the scene, you should collect as much information as possible. If possible, take pictures of your car’s damage, nearby road signs, and anything else that seems relevant. If there are skid marks or broken pieces of the other car on the ground, snap photos of those too.

Did anyone witness the accident? If so, ask for their contact information. Even a brief account of what they saw could help your case. Witness accounts can often provide valuable insights into how the hit-and-run accident happened.

Call the Police and Report the Accident

Utah laws require you to report hit-and-run accidents to the police. If the other driver fled, call the police as soon as you’re in a safe place. They’ll document the incident, which is necessary for insurance claims and any legal action you might decide to take later. 

Make sure to report hit-and-run accident details like:

• The fleeing car’s make, model, and color (if you remember).
• Full or partial license plate number (if possible).
• The direction the car was heading.
• The time and location of the incident.

Provide the police with as much detail as possible about the other vehicle and driver. The more information you can give them; the better chance they have of finding the person responsible.

File an Insurance Claim

After talking with the police, your next step should be to contact your insurance provider. Even though the other driver fled, you might still have coverage through your insurance policy. 

Utah is a no-fault state, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage will cover basic medical expenses and lost wages after a hit-and-run car accident. For property damage, you may need to use your Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM). This type of coverage is optional but can be a lifesaver in situations like this.

Be sure to file the claim quickly and include all the supporting documents, such as your police report and photos from the scene. When speaking to your insurance company, stick to the facts and avoid guessing or providing more details than necessary. 

Remember, insurance adjusters often look for ways to minimize claims, so keeping your statements clear and concise helps protect your interests. It would also be a good idea to hire a car accident attorney to avoid the risk of signing up for a low-ball offer. 

Consult a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Dealing with insurance claims and legal processes can be tricky. This is where a hit-and-run accident lawyer becomes your MVP (Most Valuable Player). A competent attorney can guide you through the red tape and make sure you’re not shortchanged by your insurer.

A skilled hit-and-run accident lawyer in Utah will:

• Handle complex paperwork and insurance claims.
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters to maximize your settlement.
• Help you gather all necessary evidence, from accident scene photos to medical records.
• Advocate fiercely for your interests if your case goes to court.

If the fleeing driver is identified later, a lawyer can help hold them accountable. Utah law is tough on hit-and-run accidents. Depending on the severity of the crash, hit-and-run drivers can face serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and license suspension. 

Be Patient Since Legal Processes Take Time

Remember, the legal and insurance processes will not get resolved overnight. If the police find the responsible driver, proving fault and negotiating compensation can take weeks or even months.

Communicate with your insurance provider to track your claim’s progress. Follow up with your healthcare providers to document your injuries thoroughly. And if you’ve hired a hit-and-run accident lawyer, stay in close touch to ensure your case moves forward effectively.

The more involved and proactive you are, the better your chances of receiving the compensation and justice you deserve.

Wrapping Up

A hit-and-run accident is frustrating, stressful, and upsetting. But with the right support and legal help, you can get through this challenging situation and get the justice you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Utah, be sure to follow these steps. Most importantly, get yourself checked by a doctor and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. 

Henriksen & Henriksen has been helping hit-and-run car accident victims for decades. We know how to handle these complex cases. We’ll ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected every step of the way.

Need help? Schedule your free consultation today.