A hit-and-run can leave you with injuries, medical bills and no clear path to recovery. If the driver who caused the collision cannot be found, you may still have options – starting with your own auto policy.
Your insurance may still provide coverage
Your auto policy is likely your first source of recovery after a hit-and-run. Minnesota follows a no-fault system. Minnesota law requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
Regardless of fault, PIP helps cover your healthcare costs and income losses resulting from a collision, including hit-and-run incidents.
Your PIP benefits may not cover all of your losses. If the driver cannot be identified, your uninsured motorist (UM) protection may provide additional compensation. Minnesota law and your policy set the rules for UM claims.
You may need to show that another vehicle caused the collision. Evidence can include vehicle damage, witness statements, photographs and the police report. Your insurer may also review your medical records and other information.
The amount you can recover depends on your policy limits and the facts of your case.
What should you do after a hit-and-run?
The information you gather after the incident may help establish what happened. Consider taking these steps:
- Notify police: Report the incident promptly. Give officers as much information as you can about the other vehicle and driver.
- Record the scene: Photograph your vehicle, the road, traffic signs and any visible injuries.
- Look for witnesses: Get names and contact information from people who saw the collision.
- Seek medical attention: If you have symptoms or injuries, get appropriate medical care and keep your treatment records.
- Review your policy: Check your policy details for uninsured motorist protection and note the limits that apply.
These steps can help protect your rights and support your insurance claim after a hit-and-run crash.
What the law means for your claim
Under Minnesota law, leaving the scene of an accident can lead to penalties for the driver. Those penalties do not compensate an injured person for medical expenses, lost income or other losses. Policy protection may become especially important when investigators cannot locate the person responsible.
A missing driver does not automatically end your ability to seek compensation. Prompt reporting, careful documentation and a close review of your insurance coverage can help you understand what financial recovery may be available after a hit-and-run.