What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in Idaho

Do:

Here’s what to do if someone hits your car in Idaho:

• Call 911. The first step after witnessing or experiencing a hit-and-run accident is to contact emergency services. You should call the police immediately to report the accident and to request assistance.
• Seek medical attention. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially if you were in the vehicle at the time of the hit-and-run. Even if your injuries seem minor, we encourage you and everyone in the car to seek medical evaluation, as some injuries may not immediately be visible or apparent.
• Document the details and exchange contact information. Gather and document as much information as possible about the accident and the other vehicles and people involved. Important details to note include the time and location of the accident, the vehicles’ descriptions, license plate numbers, and contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
• Report the accident to your insurance company. Notify your insurance provider after a hit-and-run, even if you were not at fault. You can file a claim with your insurance company to help cover any damages or medical expenses. You should make a claim as soon as possible because many insurance policies have a time limit for reporting an accident.

Recovering the damages after a hit-and-run incident can be a complex process, but there are steps you can take to increase the likelihood of compensation for your losses. First, you should try to identify the at-fault driver by gathering witness statements and footage from security cameras. If you are able to identify and locate the at-fault driver, you can file a third-party claim with that person’s insurance company to cover your expenses.

You can turn to your own insurance policy if you cannot locate the at-fault driver. Many auto insurance policies include coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists, which can also apply in the case of a hit-and-run. You should file a claim with your company and provide all the details and evidence you collected from the incident. Here’s an overview of the coverage policies in addition to Idaho’s minimum liability coverage requirements, which may help you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage assists with expenses from accidents caused by drivers lacking sufficient insurance. It covers costs such as hospital bills and lost wages following an injury.
• Medical payments coverage (MedPay): MedPay helps pay your and your passengers’ medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident.
• Collision coverage: Collision coverage covers the cost of damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Especially in cases where the at-fault driver is unidentified, like hit-and-runs, this type of coverage can be crucial in covering the cost of your vehicle repairs or replacement.

When involved in a hit-and-run in Idaho, it is important to understand how it may impact your car insurance rates. A hit-and-run conviction may increase your insurance rates, especially if you have to file a claim under your collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The exact rate increase depends on your insurance provider’s policies and your history with it. Therefore, you should communicate with your provider to understand the terms of your policy.

According to data from the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety, there were a total of 49,229 vehicle crashes in 2022, with hit-and-run incidents accounting for 2 percent of this total.¹ This percentage is consistent with past years’ rates despite the rising incidence of vehicle crashes over the past five years:

According to Idaho Code 18-8007, motorists must stop at the scene if they cause an accident and fulfill the following legal obligations.² First, you must remain on-site and call the police immediately. Second, you must gather contact details from any witnesses and document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles involved and any resulting damage. Finally, you must exchange contact information with the other driver. Here’s what you should remember to document:

• The other party’s name, address, vehicle identification number, and the names of all occupants in all vehicles involved
• The date and time of the incident

Because Idaho is an at-fault state, the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other party’s medical and property damage expenses. Therefore, failure to complete the above steps will result in severe consequences, especially if the accident causes severe injury, death, or significant property damage. Such consequences can range from fines to license suspension to jail time.

In summary, there are vital steps to take if you are involved in a hit-and-run in Idaho. You should stay at the scene, gather evidence, report the incident to law enforcement and your insurance company, and seek medical attention if needed. It is important to fully understand your insurance coverage and the legal implications of accidents so you can navigate the aftermath more effectively.