A hit-and-run accident creates immediate uncertainty—especially when the driver responsible disappears. In those first moments, the right actions matter: move to a safe location, call 911, get medical care, and gather any details you can about the vehicle or the scene. Just as important, report the incident and speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your ability to recover compensation, even if the driver is never found.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has recovered over $1 billion for people across Louisiana who were suddenly put in situations like this. Hit-and-run cases require swift action, thorough investigation, and a legal team that knows how to handle uncooperative insurers. Your Voice is Our Voice. When you contact us, we take immediate steps to preserve evidence, identify every available path to compensation, and fight to help you move forward with confidence.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand what steps should be taken immediately after a hit-and-run accident, what rights you have, and how we can help you move forward.

Key Terms to Know

• Emergency Services: First responders—including police, firefighters, and paramedics—who provide medical care, secure the scene, and document the crash.
• Hit-and-Run: A crash where a driver leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or assistance. This is illegal and addressed under Louisiana law.
• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Insurance that helps cover your damages if the at-fault driver cannot be identified or has no insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Coverage that applies when the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to fully cover your losses.
• Police Report: An official record created by law enforcement documenting the crash, often used as key evidence.
• Liability: Legal responsibility for causing an accident. Determining liability is essential in personal injury claims, as outlined in general legal principles by the Legal Information Institute at Cornell Law School.
• Negligence: The failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. This is the foundation of most injury claims, explained by the Legal Information Institute.
• Damages: Financial compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Definitions and types of damages are outlined by the Legal Information Institute.
• Statute of Limitations: The legal deadline to file a claim. In Louisiana, personal injury claims are generally subject to a one-year period under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492.
• Recorded Statement: A statement given to an insurance company that may be used to assess or dispute your claim.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Taking the following steps will help you stay focused, protect your safety, and preserve your right to compensation:

Step 1: Move to Safety and Call 911 Immediately

Your first move is to protect yourself from further harm. If your vehicle is drivable, move it out of traffic carefully. If not, get to a nearby safe location.

Call 911 right away; emergency responders will:

• Provide urgent medical care
• Secure the accident scene
• Create an official police report

Reporting the crash immediately increases the chances of identifying the driver and ensures your case is properly documented from the start.

Step 2: Get Medical Care—Even If Injuries Aren’t Obvious

Do not wait to see a doctor. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries in the moments after a crash. For example, the following conditions may take hours or even days to show symptoms:

• Concussions
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue injuries

Getting immediate medical attention protects your health and provides critical documentation linking your injuries to the crash.

Step 3: Capture Any Details About the Fleeing Vehicle

In a hit-and-run, even small details can make a big difference. If you can, take a moment to recall and record:

• A full or partial license plate
• Vehicle make, model, or color
• Direction the driver fled
• Any noticeable damage or unique features

Remember, you don’t need perfect information. Even limited details can help law enforcement track down the driver or support your claim later.

Step 4: Identify Witnesses and Potential Video Footage

You may not be the only one who saw what happened. Look around for:

• Bystanders who witnessed the crash
• Nearby drivers who stopped
• Homes or businesses with security cameras

Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Their statements—and any available footage—can be critical in reconstructing what happened and strengthening your case.

Step 5: Document the Scene While It’s Fresh

If you’re physically able, start documenting everything before the scene changes. Take clear photos or videos of:

• Damage to your vehicle
• The surrounding roadway and intersection
• Traffic signs, signals, and road conditions
• Debris, skid marks, or impact points

This evidence can quickly disappear. Preserving it early gives your legal team a stronger foundation to build your case.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company Carefully

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible—but be mindful of what you say. Stick to basic facts and avoid:

• Guessing about what happened
• Accepting blame
• Giving recorded statements without legal guidance

The Louisiana Department of Insurance advises policyholders to understand their coverage, including uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection, which often applies in hit-and-run cases.

Step 7: Contact a Louisiana Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Right Away

Hit-and-run cases are rarely straightforward. When the at-fault driver is unknown, insurance companies often push back harder.

These claims may involve:

• Uninsured motorist coverage disputes
• Questions about liability
• Delays or denials from insurers

Trying to handle this alone can put your case at risk. Having the right team in place helps level the playing field from the beginning.

The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case. Early legal action allows your team to:

• Preserve time-sensitive evidence
• Work with investigators and law enforcement
• Identify every available path to compensation
• Handle all communication with insurance companies

When you partner with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you get a full team behind you—including David Laborde and Digger Earles—ready to step in, take over, and fight for the outcome you deserve from day one.

What If the Driver Is Never Found?

Even if the at-fault driver is not identified, you may still have options. In many cases, victims can recover compensation through:

• Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
• Other applicable insurance policies

The Insurance Information Institute explains how UM coverage helps protect drivers in situations involving uninsured or unknown drivers.

Hit-and-Run Checklist: What to Gather and What to Do

Gather This Evidence

• Photos of your vehicle damage (multiple angles)
• Photos of the accident scene (road, traffic signs, signals, debris)
• Any visible injuries
• Skid marks, debris, or impact points
• Nearby business names or homes that may have cameras
• Witness names and contact information
• Notes about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, model, direction, partial plate)

Take These Actions

Immediately After

• Call 911 and ensure a police report is created
• Seek medical attention right away
• Request a copy of the accident report when available
• Write down everything you remember while it’s fresh
• Notify your insurance company (stick to facts only)

Within the First 24–48 Hours

• Follow up with medical providers and keep all records
• Save receipts, bills, and any accident-related expenses
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal guidance
• Do not post about the accident on social media
• Contact an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer

Ongoing

• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely
• Keep a record of pain, symptoms, and recovery progress
• Save all communication related to your claim
• Let your attorney handle negotiations and next steps

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents

Will my insurance rates go up after a hit-and-run accident?

It depends on your policy and the circumstances of the crash. In many cases, if you were not at fault, your rates may not increase—but that is not guaranteed. An attorney can help ensure the claim is handled properly and push back if insurers try to unfairly penalize you.

What if I didn’t get the license plate or details about the other vehicle?

You still have a case. Many hit-and-run claims move forward without a license plate using:

• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage
• Physical evidence from the scene

Even limited information can support your claim and help build a strong case.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Possibly. Louisiana follows a comparative fault system, meaning your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault—but not necessarily eliminated.

What types of compensation are available after a hit-and-run?

Depending on your case, you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care

The specific damages available will depend on the facts of your case and the extent of your injuries.

How are hit-and-run cases investigated?

Investigations often involve multiple sources, including:

• Police reports
• Witness interviews
• Traffic or security camera footage
• Accident reconstruction

Law enforcement and legal teams work together to piece together what happened, even when the driver is not immediately identified.

Do I have to go to court for a hit-and-run claim?

Not always. Many cases are resolved through insurance claims or negotiated settlements. However, if a fair resolution cannot be reached, your case may proceed to litigation. Having a legal team ensures you’re prepared for either path.

What if the accident involved a pedestrian or bicyclist?

The same legal principles generally apply. Injured pedestrians and cyclists may also pursue compensation through insurance coverage, including UM policies, if the driver cannot be identified.

How long does a hit-and-run case take to resolve?

Every case is different. Some claims resolve in months, while more complex cases—especially those involving serious injuries or disputes—can take longer. Acting quickly and having strong legal representation can help move the process forward efficiently.

The Best Step to Take Immediately After a Hit and Run is to Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers

From day one, our team steps in to handle the legal and insurance process so you don’t have to figure it out alone. We work directly with law enforcement to obtain and review your police report, follow up on any available leads, and make sure every detail is properly documented. At the same time, we manage communication with your insurance company, including navigating UM coverage, so you’re not left dealing with confusing policies or pushback from adjusters.

Most importantly, we know how to build strong cases even when the at-fault driver isn’t identified. We preserve evidence, handle paperwork, and fight to recover every dollar you’re entitled to, while you focus on healing.

With over $1 billion recovered and more than 1,000 five-star reviews, we’re here when you need someone in your corner. Call (337) 284-9548 or request your free case evaluation online today. We’re available 24/7, and you don’t pay anything unless we win. Your Voice is Our Voice—and we’re ready to take the next step with you.