Hit and Run Accidents in Phoenix — What the Law Says
Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence in Arizona. Arizona Revised Statute 28-661 requires any driver involved in an accident to stop immediately, provide their name, address, and vehicle registration, and render reasonable assistance to injured parties. Violations carry serious criminal penalties. But the criminal process is separate from your civil right to compensation — and many hit and run victims do not realise they may still have a valid claim even if the driver is never caught.
Phoenix has one of the highest rates of hit and run accidents in the United States. The anonymity of Phoenix's large road network, the high number of uninsured drivers, and the absence of consistent traffic camera coverage in many areas all contribute. If you were injured in a Phoenix hit and run, do not assume you have no options.
How You Can Still Claim Compensation After a Hit and Run
- Your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage — if you have it, this is your primary route to compensation when the at-fault driver is unidentified
- Your own collision coverage — covers vehicle damage regardless of fault or driver identification
- Third-party liability — if the hit and run involved a commercial vehicle, employer liability may apply
- Arizona Motor Vehicle Division records — attorneys can sometimes trace vehicles through partial plate numbers and witness descriptions
- Traffic and security camera footage — attorneys issue preservation letters immediately to capture footage before it is overwritten
- Witness accounts — bystanders sometimes photograph or note details that law enforcement may not have gathered
- If the driver is later identified — a full personal injury claim becomes available against them and their insurer
What to Do Immediately After a Phoenix Hit and Run
Stay at the scene and call 911 immediately. Get a police report filed — this is essential for any UM insurance claim. While waiting for police, note everything you remember about the vehicle: make, model, colour, any part of the plate number, direction of travel, and any identifying features. Ask witnesses for contact details. Photograph the scene, your injuries, and any debris from the other vehicle. Seek medical attention immediately. Then contact an attorney — time is critical because evidence disappears within hours.
The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Phoenix Hit and Run Claims
Your own uninsured motorist coverage is designed for exactly this situation. Arizona requires insurers to offer UM coverage, though drivers can waive it in writing. If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim against your own policy for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering — even when the at-fault driver is never identified. An attorney handles this process and ensures your insurer does not undervalue your claim, which they routinely attempt even on UM cases.