Hit-and-Run Accidents in Arizona: What to Do and How to Find the At-Fault Driver

Few situations are as frustrating and frightening as being struck by a driver who then flees the scene. Hit-and-run accidents in Arizona are not only dangerous, but they also leave victims with difficult questions: How will I pay my medical bills? Can I still recover damages if the other driver isn’t found?

At Big Auto Accident Attorneys, we know how devastating these crashes can be. With decades of combined experience handling Arizona accident claims, our team works relentlessly to help victims track down at-fault drivers, hold insurers accountable, and secure maximum compensation.4

Arizona’s Hit-and-Run Laws

Under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-661, drivers involved in an accident must stop and:

• Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration
  
• Show their driver’s license upon request
  
• Render aid to anyone injured
  

Failing to stop after an accident is a crime in Arizona. Depending on the circumstances, a hit-and-run can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony — especially if the crash causes serious injury or death. But while criminal penalties punish the offender, they don’t automatically compensate victims. That’s where a civil claim comes in.

Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Are So Complex

Unlike a typical car accident where liability can be determined quickly, hit-and-run crashes often leave victims with:

• No immediate information about the driver
• Uncertainty over insurance coverage
• Mounting medical bills without a clear payer
  

Fortunately, Arizona law provides several avenues for recovery, even if the driver isn’t identified right away.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run

If you’re injured in a hit-and-run crash, your actions in the minutes and hours afterward can make a huge difference:

1. Call 911 right away. A police report is critical to documenting the crash.
   
2. Seek medical care immediately. Even minor injuries should be checked.
   
3. Gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the scene, damage, and any debris left behind.
   
4. Talk to witnesses. Someone may have seen the fleeing driver or captured the incident on video.
   
5. Check nearby cameras. Businesses, traffic lights, or home security systems may provide footage.
   
6. Report the crash to your insurance company. But avoid giving detailed statements until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
   

Finding the At-Fault Driver

Police and attorneys use several tools to track down hit-and-run motorists in Arizona:

• Surveillance video from intersections, businesses, and homes
  
• Eyewitness testimony about the car’s make, model, or license plate
  
• Accident reconstruction experts to match paint, debris, or damage patterns
  
• Public tips following law enforcement bulletins
  

Even if the driver is never found, you may still have options for recovering damages.

Insurance Coverage in Hit-and-Run Cases

Arizona requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but that doesn’t help when the at-fault driver disappears. In these cases, victims may turn to their own policies, including:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Protects you if the driver can’t be located or has no insurance.
  
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage Applies if the hit-and-run driver is found but has insufficient coverage.
  
• Collision Coverage May cover property damage to your vehicle regardless of fault.
  

Because insurance companies often resist paying full claims in hit-and-run cases, it’s crucial to have strong legal representation.

Compensation Available to Hit-and-Run Victims

Even if the at-fault driver flees, victims may still recover damages for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
  
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Property damage
  
• Wrongful death in fatal crashes
  

At Big Auto, we fight to ensure that hit-and-run victims don’t bear the financial burden of someone else’s recklessness.

Realities of Hit-and-Run Crashes in Arizona

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), thousands of hit-and-run accidents occur across the state every year — many along major freeways like I-10, I-17, and Loop 101. These crashes often leave victims feeling powerless. But with the right strategy, it’s possible to uncover the truth and pursue justice.

Why You Need an Experienced Hit-and-Run Attorney

Insurance companies may try to deny or undervalue your claim, arguing there’s “not enough proof” of the other driver’s fault. An attorney can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the crash
  
• Work with law enforcement to track down the driver
  
• Negotiate aggressively with your insurance provider
  
• File a lawsuit if necessary to secure compensation
  

At Big Auto, our nationwide reach and Arizona roots give us the resources to fight back — and win.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

A hit-and-run accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure where to turn. But justice is still within reach.

Call Big Auto Accident Attorneys in Arizona today for a free consultation. We’ll investigate your case, pursue every possible source of compensation, and stand by your side until you get the results you deserve.

Injured in a hit-and-run? Contact Big Auto now — our team is available 24/7 to fight for your rights.

Content reviewed by managing attorney, Nic Edgson. Nic has been an Arizona-licensed lawyer for more than a decade and focuses his law practice on helping people seriously injured in car accidents and truck accidents. He has represented thousands of clients and recovered more than $50 Million Dollars fighting for their injuries and medical bills. Throughout his legal career, Nic has helped those injured through some of the most difficult times in their lives.