How Long After a Hit-and-Run Accident Will Police Contact You?

If a negligent driver crashed into you and fled the accident scene, your mind is probably reeling with questions. Who will pay for your medical bills? How will you identify the at-fault driver? Will you have to talk to the police about this? The attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO have helped countless injury victims navigate the legal system after hit-and-run accidents. We can help you understand what to expect from the legal process. That includes whether the police might contact you about the accident as you pursue fair compensation for your losses. Call us today at (301) 220-0050 for a free consultation to discuss how we can help.

Common Reasons for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Every road user hopes that the drivers around them will be willing to accept responsibility in the event of an accident. However, some people make unwise decisions and flee accident scenes before rendering aid or exchanging information as required by law.

Some drivers choose to flee when:

• They do not possess valid driver’s licenses or car insurance
• They are not legally allowed in the country
• They have outstanding warrants
• Police are actively searching for them on suspicion of other crimes
• Their “fight or flight” response is triggered by a sense of anxiety or panic
• They wish to avoid lawsuits or increases to their car insurance premiums
• Intoxicants like alcohol or drugs cloud their judgment

What Happens at the Scene of a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Virginia law mandates that the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident must stop and remain at the scene if the accident results in death, injury, or any physical property damage. When drivers stop at the scene after an accident, they must exchange personal information like their names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers with each other and give this information to the responding police officer.

In the case of a hit-and-run, one driver speeds away before the other driver has an opportunity to collect their information. In some cases, hit-and-run drivers even leave behind crash victims with severe or life-threatening injuries, increasing the risk of serious or fatal health complications for victims.

What Do Police Do in a Hit-and-Run?

When a driver flees the scene of an accident, the responding police officer will attempt to gather information that leads to the driver’s identity. By talking to the driver who did not flee and any witnesses who saw the accident, the officer can note down a physical description of the hit-and-run driver and their vehicle and then inform other police officers in the area to be on the lookout.

Sometimes, hit-and-run drivers leave behind physical evidence as they flee the scene. In hit-and-run accidents, it is common for drivers to leave behind proof of their identities in the form of:

• License plates
• Tire marks
• Pieces of the car, like a hood or side mirror
• Paint scratches on other vehicles

These types of evidence can paint a better picture of the driver’s car and the condition it is currently in. Police might also contact nearby businesses to access their security surveillance systems, as video footage can provide valuable information for hit-and-run investigations.

How Long Before Police Stop Investigating?

It depends. Police are unlikely to thoroughly investigate an accident that results in little to no property damage or injuries. If there is no witness, video evidence, or physical proof that can easily identify the make and model of the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle, the time and effort spent tracking down the driver could be better spent investigating more serious accidents. However, if the police have decent leads or solid evidence, they might continue investigating a hit-and-run until they find the culprit.

How Long After a Hit-and-Run Could the Police Contact You?

Police might reach out to you hours, days, weeks, or even months after an initial hit-and-run report– it all depends on their ability to locate the other driver. Unfortunately, many hit-and-run accidents without solid evidence go unsolved, so the police might not contact you if they have nothing to report.

Contact an Attorney Today

At CHASENBOSCOLO, we know the challenges of dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident. Our Virginia car accident lawyers can help you understand what to expect and how to demand fair compensation for your losses. To learn more about your options, contact us today at (301) 220-0050 or through our website for a free consultation, no strings attached.

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