How Do I Get Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Maryland?

 Posted on March 05, 2026 in Car Accidents

If you’re hit by a driver who then flees the scene, you may feel confused, angry, and unsure of how you’re going to recover damages to your vehicle and injuries to yourself. You may not even be sure if Maryland law will allow you to recover damages.

We have good news for you: Maryland law gives hit-and-run victims real options for getting compensation, even when the at-fault driver is never found. A Ellicott City car accident lawyer can help you through the process.

Your Actions Right After a Hit-and-Run Accident Matter – A Lot

What you do in the minutes, hours, and days after a hit-and-run can make a big difference in your ability to recover compensation. If you are physically able, try to do the following:

• Call 911 immediately and report the accident.
• Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle — color, make, partial plate number, direction of travel.
• Clearly photograph the scene.
• Get contact information from any witnesses.
• Seek medical attention right away even if you feel okay, since many injuries do not show symptoms at first.
• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

It’s also very important to report a hit-and-run to the police. Under Maryland Transportation Code Section 20-102, a driver involved in an accident that causes injury or death must stop and provide their information. When the other driver breaks this law and flees, reporting the incident creates an official record that supports your claim.

Why Is It So Important to Act Quickly After a Hit-and-Run in Maryland?

Evidence disappears fast after any accident. Surveillance footage gets overwritten. Witnesses move on. Physical evidence gets cleared away. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of building a strong case.

There are also legal deadlines to be aware of. Missing the three-year filing deadline in Maryland typically means losing your right to sue entirely. Starting the process early gives you and your attorney time to investigate, gather evidence, and negotiate without the pressure of a looming deadline.

Can You Still Get Compensation If the Driver Who Hit You Is Never Found?

Many people assume that if the hit-and-run driver is not caught, they have no options. Fortunately, in Maryland, you may be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy, specifically "uninsured motorist" (UM) coverage.

Maryland requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage under Maryland Insurance Code Section 19-509. This coverage is specifically designed for situations like hit-and-runs, where the at-fault driver cannot be identified or has no insurance.

Through your UM coverage, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills and future treatment costs
• Lost wages if your injuries keep you from working
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage to your vehicle

Bear in mind that Maryland generally requires that there be actual physical contact between the vehicles to use UM coverage, or else sufficient proof that another vehicle was involved in the accident.

What if the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Eventually Identified?

If police find the driver who hit you, you have more options. You may be able to file a personal injury claim directly against that driver. Maryland generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

A successful claim against an identified at-fault driver can recover the same types of compensation listed above, and possibly more, depending on the facts of your case. If the driver was uninsured, your UM coverage may still come into play.

Even if the other driver is found, dealing with insurance companies – yours or theirs – is rarely straightforward. Insurers often look for ways to reduce or deny payouts. For this reason, a personal injury lawyer is a valuable resource for making sure you get what you need.

​Call a Dundalk, MD Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident in 2026, the law is on your side, but you should get legal help to walk you through the claims process and file a lawsuit if necessary. At Serafini Law, our Ellicott City car accident attorney answers calls 24/7, handles every case on a contingency fee basis where you pay nothing unless you win, and gives each client his full personal attention.

Attorney Serafini was born and raised in Hagerstown and is deeply invested in this community. Call Serafini Law at 240-744-1600 today for a free consultation.