Being the victim of a hit-and-run is shocking and frustrating. You may feel helpless — especially if the other driver sped away before you could exchange information. But if you managed to get the license plate number, you already have a key piece of evidence that can lead to justice.
Below, we’ll explain exactly what to do next, how law enforcement and your attorney can use a plate number to identify the driver, and what options you have for financial recovery.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Call the Police Immediately
The first thing to do after any accident is to make sure everyone is safe. Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible, and call 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher that the other driver left the scene, and give them:
- The license plate number
- The make, model, and color of the vehicle
- The direction the car went after leaving
- Any visible damage on the other car
Police can immediately issue a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) alert for the vehicle. The sooner you report the plate, the more likely officers can locate the driver quickly.
Step 2: File an Official Police Report
Even if the damage seems minor, file a police report. This report will document:
- That the crash occurred
- That the other driver fled
- The plate number and other identifying details
This record is critical for both your insurance claim and any potential civil case. If you later discover injuries or the driver is found, this report connects everything back to the incident.
Step 3: Give the Plate Number to Your Attorney or Insurance Company
If you hire a lawyer, they can work directly with police investigators and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to identify the registered owner.
If you report it to your insurer, they can:
- Open an uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) claim.
- Assist law enforcement with data from insurance databases.
Your own insurance coverage may pay for medical expenses and vehicle repairs while the investigation continues.
Step 4: Preserve Every Bit of Evidence
A single detail can make the difference in a hit-and-run case. Protect your claim by collecting and keeping:
- Photos or video of the other vehicle and its license plate
- Pictures of your vehicle damage and the accident scene
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or homes
- Witness names and phone numbers
- A copy of your police report
- Your medical treatment records
If you’re working with a law firm, your attorney can send evidence preservation letters to nearby businesses or municipalities to prevent footage from being deleted.
Step 5: Let Your Attorney Handle the Investigation
Once the license plate is documented, your lawyer can help:
- Locate the registered owner through DMV or insurance records
- Identify the actual driver, if it was someone other than the owner
- Demand insurance coverage from the at-fault party’s carrier
- File claims or lawsuits if necessary
Even if the other driver isn’t immediately found, your attorney can pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or through crime victim funds, depending on your state.
What If the Plate Number Is Partial or Possibly Incorrect?
Don’t assume a partial plate is useless. Investigators can often narrow it down using:
- Vehicle description and location
- Time of the crash
- Traffic or security cameras
- Witness statements
Law enforcement can cross-reference databases to identify possible matches. The more details you provide, the better your chances.
Legal Consequences for the Fleeing Driver
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in every state. Depending on the circumstances, penalties may include:
- Fines and jail time
- License suspension
- Civil liability for injuries and property damage
Your attorney can coordinate with prosecutors to ensure the responsible driver is held accountable — both criminally and financially.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You
When you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run, it’s easy to feel like justice isn’t possible. But with the right legal support, a license plate can be the thread that unravels the entire case.
Our firm can help by:
- Working directly with law enforcement to identify the vehicle owner
- Obtaining surveillance or traffic-camera footage
- Pursuing uninsured motorist claims through your policy
- Filing a lawsuit if the at-fault driver is located
- Managing all communication with insurers and investigators
You focus on healing — we’ll handle the rest.
Key Takeaway
Even if all you have is a license plate number, that number can open the door to justice. Report it immediately, preserve your evidence, and call a personal injury attorney who knows how to investigate hit-and-run cases.
