Hit and Run Accidents in Rhode Island: What to Do and How to Get Compensation

A hit-and-run is one of the most frustrating types of car accidents. Someone hits you and drives away, leaving you injured, confused, and wondering how you are going to pay for medical bills and car repairs when you do not even know who caused the crash.

Rhode Island law takes hit-and-run accidents seriously. Leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury is a criminal offense. But for the victim, the more pressing question is: can I still get compensated?

The answer is yes, in most cases. Here is what you need to know about your rights, your insurance options, and the steps you should take right now.

Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene?

Drivers leave the scene of an accident for many reasons. Understanding those reasons can help explain why hit-and-run crashes are more common than most people think.

Common reasons drivers flee include:

• They do not have car insurance
• They were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• They have a suspended or revoked license
• They have an outstanding warrant
• They panicked in the moment

None of these reasons justify leaving. And because hit and run is a criminal offense in Rhode Island, police will actively investigate and try to track down the driver, especially when injuries are involved.

What Counts as a Hit and Run in Rhode Island?

Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-26-1, any driver who is knowingly involved in an accident that results in injury or death must immediately stop, provide identification and insurance information, and render aid. Failing to do so is a crime.

The penalties for leaving the scene depend on the severity of the crash:

• Property damage only: Misdemeanor charge, fines of $500 to $1,000, and up to six months of license suspension
• Injury accident: Felony charge, up to five years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and license suspension of one to five years
• Serious bodily injury or death: Even harsher penalties, including extended imprisonment

This law also applies to accidents involving bicyclists under § 31-26-3.3.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Hit and Run?

The first moments after a hit-and-run are critical. Here is what you should do:

1. Stay at the scene and call 911. A police report is essential for any insurance claim or legal action.
2. Try to note details about the other vehicle: make, model, color, license plate (even a partial plate helps), and the direction they drove.
3. Talk to witnesses. Other drivers or pedestrians may have seen the vehicle or captured footage on a dashcam.
4. Get medical attention right away. Some injuries from a car crash do not show symptoms immediately.
5. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area.
6. Contact your insurance company and report the hit and run.

How Can You Get Compensation After a Hit and Run?

Compensation after a hit and run typically comes from one of two places: the at-fault driver’s insurance (if they are found) or your own policy.

If the driver is identified: You can file a claim against their liability insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Criminal charges against the driver are handled separately by the state, but a conviction can strengthen your civil case.

If the driver is never found: Your best option is typically your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-7-2.1, Rhode Island insurance carriers must offer UM/UIM coverage, which covers bodily injury from accidents involving uninsured drivers and hit-and-run drivers. However, drivers can decline this coverage in writing.

Other insurance options that may apply:

• Collision coverage can help pay for vehicle repairs regardless of who was at fault
• Personal injury protection (PIP) may cover medical expenses and lost wages up to your policy limits
• MedPay coverage, if elected, can help with immediate medical costs

Rhode Island requires a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage (§ 31-31-7). If you carry UM coverage, it cannot fall below those minimums.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Hit and Run?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills, including emergency care, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries are long-term
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Emotional distress

The total value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the insurance coverage available.

Why You May Need a Lawyer After a Hit and Run

Filing a claim against your own insurance company after a hit-and-run is not as simple as it sounds. Insurers have strategies to reduce what they pay, even on UM claims. They may question the severity of your injuries, argue that a pre-existing condition is to blame, or delay processing your claim in hopes you will accept less.

Consider speaking to a lawyer if:

• You suffered serious injuries or need ongoing treatment
• Your insurance company is disputing the claim or offering a low settlement
• You are unsure whether your policy covers your full damages
• The at-fault driver has been found but is uninsured or underinsured
• You are facing medical bills and lost income that your coverage may not fully address

How Long Do You Have to File a Hit and Run Claim?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Rhode Island is three years from the date of the accident under § 9-1-14. Property damage claims have a longer window of up to 10 years (§ 9-1-13). But the sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.

Injured in a Rhode Island Hit and Run? We Can Help.

At Louis W. Grande Injury Lawyer, we have spent more than 30 years helping car accident victims across Rhode Island, including those left behind by hit-and-run drivers. We know how to deal with insurance companies, track down responsible parties, and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run, we will evaluate your case, review your insurance coverage, and walk you through every option available to you.

Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today to get started.