What Should You Do if You Were the Victim of a Hit-and-Run in Maryland

Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | June 8, 2026 | Hit & Run Accident

Being involved in a hit-and-run can be a scary and overwhelming experience. Because the at-fault driver leaves, hit-and-run cases are more challenging than accident claims when all drivers are at the scene. Without a name, insurance details, or detailed account of what happened, pursuing compensation for injuries can feel like it will be a very long process. 

If the driver who hit you can’t be identified, our personal injury attorneys can still help you pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage, and find other sources of compensation under Maryland law. After a hit-and-run accident in Maryland, taking the right steps early can make a big difference in protecting your rights and strengthening any insurance or legal claim. Contact Alpert Schreyer, LLC in Lanham, Waldorf, Prince George’s County, Charles County, Anne Arundel County, Frederick County, and Rockville, Maryland, for a free case consultation so we can start building a strong case. 

What You Should Do If You Were a Victim of a Hit-and-Run in Maryland

When a driver panics and leaves the scene, a simple accident becomes a hit-and-run. Right after an accident, your first priority should always be your safety. If possible, move to a secure area away from traffic and look around for witnesses or nearby security cameras that may have captured the incident or the fleeing vehicle.

Call the Police

Report the hit-and-run to law enforcement as soon as possible. When the police arrive, stick to facts about what happened. Don’t make any assumptions about why you were hit or if it could have been your fault. A police report is important evidence and carries a lot of weight when determining fault. Your insurance company will likely require a police report number before processing a hit-and-run claim. Stick to clear, factual statements when speaking with officers.

Document the Scene

Documentation is important because details of what happened can support both your insurance claim and any potential legal action. Be sure to capture:

• Wide photos showing your entire vehicle in its parking space
• Any paint transfer or markings left by the other vehicle
• Debris on the ground, such as broken plastic or glass
• The surrounding area (e.g., signs, businesses, and parking lot layout)
• Write down the date and time you discovered the damage

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Adrenaline from the accident often masks the pain of serious injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions. Medical records are an important part in a future claim because they link your injuries directly to the accident. This evidence helps establish the extent of your injuries when pursuing a personal injury claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve filed a police report, contact your insurance provider. Many insurers require prompt reporting, often within 24 to 72 hours of an accident. Review your insurance policy, to see what coverage terms and deductibles apply to your situation.

I Was Injured in a Car Accident. What Lawyer Do I Call?

If you’ve been in a car accident, contact our Maryland personal injury lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC for a free consultation 24/7 by calling us at (301) 720-1309 or filling out our online form. During your consultation we will:

• Review the facts and evidence, including:
  • The date, time, and location of the accident
  • Cause of the accident
  • All parties involved, and whether any witnesses were present
  • The police report
  • Photos, videos, or other evidence of the scene
  • The extent of your injuries and symptoms, medical treatment received, and any future treatment recommendations
  • Time missed from work, lost income, and any future lost income
  • The impact of the injuries on your daily life and activities
  • Actions or negligence by the other party that may have led to the incident
  • Deadlines that could affect your right to file a claim
  • Determine if another party is at-fault and if you have a strong case.
  • Discuss the next steps for your claim

What Happens If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Found Later?

If law enforcement find the driver, they may face criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. This can also open additional legal and insurance options, including:

• Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company
• Allowing your insurer to pursue subrogation to recover the costs it paid on your behalf

Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC 

Because the responsible driver is unknown, hit-and-run cases can be more complex than typical accident claims due to challenges when it comes to proving liability and recovering compensation. A Maryland car accident attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC will immediately start investigating your case, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our hit-and-run attorneys by calling us at (301) 888-4037 or filling out our online form.

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