Getting hit by a driver who flees the scene is frightening and in Hawaii, it can leave you unsure where to turn. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run crash, knowing what to do right away can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Unlike typical accidents, there’s no at-fault driver on the scene to exchange information with, which means your next steps matter even more.

What exactly is a hit-and-run accident in Hawaii?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide their name, contact details, insurance information, or assistance if someone is hurt. In Hawaii, this is illegal under HRS §291C-11, whether the crash involves another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property damage. Even if the other driver didn’t mean to cause harm, leaving the scene turns a traffic incident into a criminal offense.

Why does timing matter so much after a hit-and-run in Hawaii?

Hawaii law gives you just 24 hours to report a hit-and-run accident to police if you’re able to. Delaying can weaken your injury claim especially if you later file through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Insurance companies often argue that late reporting makes it harder to verify the crash happened as described. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

What should you do immediately after the crash?

Your safety comes first. If you’re able, move to a safe spot and call 911. Even if you feel fine, get checked by medical personnel some injuries, like concussions or internal bruising, don’t show symptoms right away. While waiting for help:

  • Write down everything you remember: vehicle color, make, model, direction of travel, partial license plate, or distinguishing features like dents or stickers.
  • Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your car or belongings.
  • Ask witnesses for names and phone numbers they can confirm the other driver fled.

Don’t chase the fleeing vehicle. It’s dangerous and could put you at fault if another accident happens.

How do you file an injury claim when the driver is gone?

Since the at-fault driver isn’t identified, you’ll likely file a claim under your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. Most Hawaii policies include this unless you explicitly rejected it in writing. This coverage can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering even though the other driver was at fault.

You’ll need to prove a hit-and-run occurred. That’s why the police report and witness statements are critical. Without them, your insurer might deny the claim or offer far less than you deserve.

If you’re not sure how to start this process or your insurer is being uncooperative, talking to a lawyer who handles these cases can help. For example, some attorneys focus specifically on uninsured motorist claims after hit-and-run crashes in Hawaii, which may be useful if your injuries are serious.

What mistakes should you avoid?

  • Assuming nothing happened because you weren’t badly hurt at first. Soft tissue injuries often worsen over days.
  • Failing to report the crash to police within 24 hours. Even if you go to the hospital first, call the police as soon as you can.
  • Only notifying your insurance company but skipping the police report. Insurers usually require an official report for hit-and-run UM claims.
  • Giving a recorded statement to your insurer before understanding your rights. What you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Can you still recover compensation if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage?

It’s much harder, but not impossible. You might qualify for benefits through Hawaii’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays up to $10,000 in medical expenses regardless of fault. However, PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering or long-term losses. In rare cases, if the fleeing driver is later identified through surveillance footage or a tip you could pursue a claim against them directly.

If your situation is complex, reviewing your options with someone familiar with local procedures can clarify your path forward. Some resources explain how to file a hit-and-run injury claim with a Hawaii attorney step by step, including what documents you’ll need.

What if the hit-and-run involved a pedestrian or cyclist?

The same rules apply: report it, document everything, and seek medical care. Pedestrians and cyclists often suffer more severe injuries, so prompt treatment is even more urgent. Your uninsured motorist coverage still applies if you have it. If you were walking or biking and don’t own a car, you may be able to file a claim under a resident relative’s policy or explore other avenues with legal help.

For more detail on Hawaii-specific deadlines, evidence requirements, and how insurers evaluate these claims, you can also read about what to do after a hit-and-run accident in Hawaii, which breaks down the process from the first hour to settlement.

Quick checklist: What to do right now

  1. Call 911 and get medical attention even if you feel okay.
  2. Report the hit-and-run to police within 24 hours.
  3. Document everything: photos, notes, witness info.
  4. Contact your auto insurer to open a claim but don’t give a recorded statement yet.
  5. Review your policy for uninsured motorist coverage.
  6. If injured seriously, consider speaking with a Hawaii attorney who handles hit-and-run injury claims.