Can Police Find a Hit-and-Run Suspect After a Car Collision?

It is a common question: What happens if someone hits your car and drives away? Can the police find them and bring them to justice? The answer is complex and can vary based on the circumstances of the incident. Let's explore the details.

Insurance and Incident Reports

If you are involved in a hit-and-run scenario, the first step is to contact the police. They will provide you with an incident number that is crucial for your insurance company. Even if the police do not actively pursue the suspect, your insurance company will need this number to process your claim.

Effectively, the police are unlikely to investigate the matter in depth unless they receive a detailed report from you and have enough evidence to suggest that pursuing the suspect is in the public interest. This makes the process more challenging for both the victim and the authorities.

I have experienced this situation, and many acquaintances have shared similar stories. The lesson is clear: having insurance coverage is essential in such scenarios.

Tracking Down the Suspect

Fortunately, having the registration details of the offending vehicle can significantly improve the chances of tracking down the suspect.

Scenario 1: Registered to the Culprit

If the hit-and-run suspect is driving a vehicle registered in their name or a rental vehicle registered in their name, they can be tracked down with relative ease. Local law enforcement should be able to locate the suspect if they are using a vehicle registered in their name.

Scenario 2: Stolen or Borrowed Vehicle

In cases where the vehicle is stolen or borrowed, the process becomes more complicated. Without hard evidence such as the suspect's identity or vehicle registration, finding the culprit can be extremely difficult.

Important Considerations

Having the vehicle registration is a crucial piece of evidence. If you can obtain the license plate number, it is even more helpful. Additionally, if you can describe the suspect's appearance, especially their age, build, and race, this can aid the police in their investigation.

It is vital to keep a record of the make, model, and time and date of the incident. This information can be useful to the police, even if you do not have a full description of the suspect. You should also try to note any distinctive features of the offending vehicle, such as the color or any visible damage.

Why Aren't All Hit-and-Run Cases Investigated?

There are several reasons why the police may not actively pursue hit-and-run cases:

No Hard Evidence: Without concrete evidence, it can be challenging to prove guilt. Investigating hit-and-run cases can be resource-intensive, and the police may prioritize other crimes that affect the community more directly. Inadequate Public Interest: The police may not see it as a public priority to invest a significant amount of resources into investigating a single hit-and-run incident, especially if the victim is not seriously injured.

Reporting and Avoiding Charges

Despite the challenges, there are ways to protect yourself from potential charges if you are involved in a hit-and-run incident:

Exchange Information: After a collision, exchange contact information with the other driver, even if their vehicle is vacant. This ensures that both parties have a record of each other's details. Summon the Police: If an accident occurs and you are not involved, try to summon the police to the scene to document the incident. This can help prevent charges against you for leaving the scene. Leave a Message: If the other party is not present immediately, you might leave a message asking them to contact the police. However, refrain from claiming that you were going to call the police soon as an assurance of your innocence.

Failure to comply with these steps can provide additional evidence against you in a hit-and-run case. It is important to understand the rules to avoid falling into a potentially serious legal situation.