Few car accidents are as frustrating and stressful as a hit-and-run crash. When another driver causes a collision and flees the scene, victims are left with injuries, property damage, and uncertainty about how to pay medical bills or recover losses. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents happen more often than many people realize in Wisconsin.
At Lindner Law, LLC, we understand the confusion and anger victims feel when faced with these situations. The good news is that even if the at-fault driver cannot be located, you may still have legal options to recover compensation. This guide explains the steps to take immediately after a hit-and-run accident, how Wisconsin insurance laws apply, and how an attorney can help protect your rights.
How Common Are Hit-and-Run Accidents in Wisconsin?
Hit-and-run crashes occur in both urban and rural parts of Wisconsin, often involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and parked vehicles. Reasons drivers flee include:
- Fear of arrest (often due to drunk driving or driving without a license)
- Lack of insurance coverage
- Panicking after causing an accident
- Outstanding warrants or other legal trouble
Whatever the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Wisconsin. Drivers have a legal duty to stop, provide information, and render aid if someone is injured. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges and civil liability.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, your actions in the minutes and hours following the crash are critical:
- Stay at the scene and call 911. Report the accident immediately and request medical help if needed.
- Document everything. Write down details about the fleeing vehicle — license plate number, make, model, color, and direction it traveled. Even partial information can help.
- Talk to witnesses. Ask for names and contact information of anyone who saw the crash. Their statements may support your case.
- Take photos and video. Capture damage to your vehicle, the roadway, skid marks, or debris left behind.
- Seek medical care. Even if injuries seem minor, getting examined creates an important record for your claim.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the hit-and-run accident as soon as possible.
- Consult an attorney. A lawyer can guide you through your insurance options and help track down the at-fault driver if possible.
Wisconsin Laws on Hit-and-Run Accidents
Under Wisconsin Statute §346.67, drivers involved in an accident are legally required to:
- Stop at or near the scene.
- Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number.
- Show their driver’s license upon request.
- Render reasonable assistance to injured parties, including calling emergency services.
Failing to do so carries severe penalties:
- Property damage only: Up to 9 months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
- Injury crash: Up to 9 months in jail and fines up to $10,000.
- Serious injury crash: Felony charges with up to 15 years in prison.
- Fatal crash: Felony charges with up to 25 years in prison.
These criminal penalties are separate from any civil liability for damages.
Can You Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run?
Many people assume that if the driver is never found, they cannot receive compensation. Fortunately, that is not always the case.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Wisconsin requires auto insurance policies to include Uninsured Motorist coverage. This means your own insurance can step in to cover damages if you are struck by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver who cannot be located. UM coverage typically helps pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability costs
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
If the at-fault driver is located but has insufficient insurance, your Underinsured Motorist coverage may help fill the gap.
Health Insurance and MedPay
Some policies include Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, which pays medical expenses regardless of fault. Your health insurance may also apply while your injury claim is pending.
Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases
While compensation is possible, hit-and-run cases come with unique challenges:
- Locating the driver: Sometimes law enforcement can find the driver through license plate records, surveillance cameras, or witness statements.
- Insurance disputes: Insurance companies may try to deny or limit UM claims, questioning whether the accident qualifies as a “hit-and-run.”
- Delays in treatment or reporting: If you wait too long to report the crash or seek medical help, insurers may argue your injuries are unrelated.
An experienced attorney can help overcome these challenges by investigating the crash, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers.
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Victims of hit-and-run crashes may suffer a wide range of injuries, including:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains and strains)
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety or PTSD
Because victims are often pedestrians or bicyclists, these injuries can be especially severe.
How Lindner Law, LLC Can Help
The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident is overwhelming. Between medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress, victims often feel powerless. That’s where legal representation makes the difference.
At Lindner Law, LLC, we:
- Investigate the crash and work with law enforcement to identify the driver.
- Collect medical records, witness statements, and other key evidence.
- Handle communication with your insurance company.
- Pursue compensation through uninsured motorist claims or direct legal action.
- Fight for damages that reflect the true impact of your injuries.
Our attorneys have decades of experience helping Wisconsin accident victims and know how to hold negligent drivers accountable — even when they try to escape responsibility.
Protecting Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run
Being injured in a hit-and-run crash is frightening and unfair, but you are not without options. By taking quick action, documenting the scene, and working with an experienced attorney, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to recover.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Wisconsin hit-and-run accident, Lindner Law, LLC is here to help every step of the way.
