The moments after a hit and run are disorienting in a particular way. You're still sitting in your car. Your hands might be shaking. The other vehicle is gone, and the street looks the same as it did 20 seconds ago, except now there's a dent in your door, or worse, and no one to answer for it.
Here's what to do next and what your options are once the immediate shock wears off.
What Should You Do in the First Few Minutes?
First, make sure everyone is safe. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
If your car is blocking traffic, it's safe to move, and no one is hurt, pull it to the shoulder or a nearby safe spot. If you're unsure or anyone is injured, stay put and wait for police.
Once you and everyone else are safe, start documenting what you can:
- Call the police and report the accident, even if it feels minor
- Write down everything you remember about the other vehicle: color, make, model, direction it went, and any part of the license plate you caught
- Look for witnesses and ask if they saw anything or got a plate number
- Note any visible security cameras nearby (businesses, doorbells, traffic signals) and mention them to police when they arrive, so they can request footage before it's overwritten
- Take photos of the damage, the scene, and anything else that could help identify the other driver later
Memory fades fast after a stressful event. Even a partial plate or a general description, written down in the first few minutes, can make a difference later.
Do You Have to Report a Hit and Run in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama law requires drivers to report any accident that causes injury, death, or more than $250 in property damage. That threshold is low enough to cover nearly every hit and run worth pursuing.
A police report does more than satisfy a legal requirement. It creates an official record of what happened, which matters when you file an insurance claim. It may also help identify the driver if witnesses or cameras turn up a lead.
What Is an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Alabama?
In a normal accident, you file a claim against the other driver's insurance. In a hit and run, that option disappears the moment they leave the scene. Uninsured motorist coverage is often the only path to compensation when the at-fault driver can't be found.
Under Alabama law, every auto insurance policy in the state includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless the policyholder rejected it in writing. If you never signed a rejection, you almost certainly have this coverage, even if you don't remember choosing it.
A hit-and-run driver is treated the same as an uninsured driver for UM purposes: there's no one to identify, and no policy to file a claim against. That's exactly the situation UM coverage is designed for.
What Could Complicate Your Uninsured Motorist Claim?
Alabama's minimum coverage limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. If you own multiple vehicles on the same policy, you may also be able to combine, or "stack," UM coverage across them for a higher total, depending on your policy's terms.
Filing a UM claim doesn't guarantee that your insurer will pay. Insurers can dispute it, question the extent of your injuries, or argue you didn't report the accident quickly enough. Getting the paperwork and deadlines right the first time protects your claim.
When Should You Call a Hit-and-Run Attorney?
Not every hit and run needs a lawyer. But if you were injured, if your insurer is delaying or disputing your claim, or if you're not sure what your policy actually covers, it's worth having someone review your case before you sign anything or accept a settlement offer.
An attorney can help identify the at-fault driver when possible, handle communication with your insurance company, and make sure your UM claim is filed correctly and on time.
Talk to a Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Mobile, AL
At Taylor Martino Rowan, we help Alabama and Mississippi drivers navigate hit-and-run claims and uninsured motorist coverage after the other driver doesn't stop. Contact our team for a free consultation to find out what your case is worth.
