Being involved in a hit and run is stressful, especially when your car is damaged and the other driver leaves without taking responsibility. Fortunately, even if you only have the license plate hit and run information, you may still be able to take action and file a claim.
What Is a License Plate Hit and Run?
A license plate hit-and-run happens when another driver causes damage to your vehicle and leaves the scene without providing their information. If you manage to note down the car’s license plate, this can be crucial for reporting the incident. While it may seem difficult to pursue a claim with just a plate number, it is often enough for the authorities and insurance companies to start an investigation.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run with License Plate
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Stay Safe and Document the Scene
First, ensure you are safe and out of danger. If possible, move your car to a safe location. Take photos of the damage, the surrounding area, and any debris from the accident. These images will help support your claim. -
Get the License Plate Information
The most important detail in a hit and run license plate situation is the plate number. Write it down clearly along with the vehicle’s make, model, color, and any distinguishing features. Even partial information can be helpful. -
Report to the Police
Contact the local police and file a report. Provide them with the hit and run with license plate details. Police reports are critical because insurance companies often require them to process claims. They can also use the license plate to track down the driver. -
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Share the police report number, photos, and the license plate details. Depending on your coverage, your insurer may cover the damages under collision or uninsured motorist property damage coverage. -
Follow Up on Investigations
Police may use the license plate to find the responsible driver. Keep in touch with both the police and your insurance company to stay updated on any progress.
Can You File a Claim With Just a License Plate?
Yes, having the license plate is often enough to start a claim. The plate helps authorities identify the vehicle and the driver. While having additional evidence, such as witnesses, dashcam footage, or photos of the incident, can strengthen your case, a plate number alone is valuable. Insurance companies and law enforcement use the license plate to trace the registered owner and pursue the claim.
In some states, including Florida, insurance companies may still process claims even if the other driver cannot be immediately found. Your own uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage may help cover repair costs.
Tips to Strengthen Your Hit and Run With License Plate Claim
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Collect Evidence Quickly: Take photos immediately after the incident. Include your car’s damage and the accident scene.
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Get Witness Statements: If anyone saw the accident, ask them for their contact details and a statement. Witnesses can provide important proof.
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Use Security or Traffic Cameras: Check if nearby cameras captured the hit and run with license plate. This can help police identify the driver.
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Keep Records: Maintain a file with all documents, police reports, photos, and communications with your insurance company.
Insurance Options for Hit and Run With License Plate
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Collision Coverage: Covers damages to your car even if the other driver is not identified.
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Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): UMPD can be used when the at-fault driver cannot be located, such as in a hit and run.
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Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP covers medical expenses if you were injured in the accident, depending on your state.
Having these coverages can make the process much smoother and help you avoid paying for repairs out of pocket.
Legal Considerations
A license plate after a hit-and-run can help law enforcement identify and hold the at-fault driver accountable. In many states, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, and if the police find the driver, they could face fines, license suspension, or even jail time. Filing a claim with your insurance does not replace the criminal investigation—it works alongside it to get you compensation.
If you feel unsure about handling the process, consulting with a car accident attorney is a good idea. They can guide you through insurance claims and legal options, ensuring you are properly protected.
Auto Accident Attorney Helps You Identify the License Plate’s Owner
With a license plate number, a car accident lawyer can help you get the financial coverage you deserve after a car accident. Do not walk away from a car accident no matter how minor without speaking to an auto accident lawyer near you.
Connect with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer today by calling the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato at (954) 633-8270.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I file a claim after car accident if I only have the other driver’s license plate number?
If you have the license plate, you can file a claim. Auto insurance companies or law enforcers sometimes use this data to discover the driver and vehicle owner.
2. How do I determine who owns a car using the license plate?
The law may prevent the people themselves from checking the registered person, but the police and insurance providers can receive the information during an investigation only.
3. What steps should I take if the other driver fled the scene?
The show of action says it all. The police report should be lodged promptly as a hit-and-run. In addition to giving the license plate, your car’s description and the accident location, which helps identify the driver, can be a helpful tip for the authorities.
4. Will my insurance cover a hit-and-run if I only have the license plate?
It’s the one and the same thing—an application and an accident, a policy and an occasion. Uninsured motorist or collision coverage can occur if the other driver is not caught. Review your policy or ask your insurer. The risk can be eliminated, but this does not mean the possibility of a claim is removed.
5. Can I still file a claim with a partial license plate number?
The chances are perhaps little. Practically, a scanty plate with critical detailed information like the make, color, and last seen location might be the unique evidence investigators need to solve the case.
6. Should I call the police even if I only have the license plate?
Duy is the lightest of voices. Besides, the police report will increase your claim, the insurers will have a compendium of information for the investigation, and they can also use the report as an official source.
7. What is the time frame to report an accident if I only have the license plate?
Most states require accidents to be reported within 24-72 hours, but check your local laws first. The sooner the accident is reported, the better the chances of finding the offender.
8. What if the driver can’t be identified?
If the driver is not found, your claim may depend on uninsured motorist coverage (so you must have it) or collision insurance to pay for the repairs and medical bills.