what to do in a hit and run accident in Maine

What to Do In a Hit and Run Accident in Maine

A crash happens. The impact jolts through your body, but the other driver takes off before you can react.

No apology. No exchange of insurance. Just gone.

A hit and run accident in Maine doesn’t allow you to get answers in the moment. You’re left to deal with the damage, injuries, and the question of who will pay for it. But even when the other driver disappears, you still have options, and there are ways to recover.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and take action.

Jump to a topic by exploring from the list below.

What Should You Do Right After a Hit and Run?

First things first—take a breath and regain your composure. The impact happened fast, and the other driver is already gone. But what you do now can help track them down and protect your ability to recover damages.

Call 911

Even if the damage seems minor, reporting the crash is more than a formality. Maine law requires a police report for any accident involving injuries or property damage over $2,000. But beyond that, an official report creates a record of what happened, which can be critical for an insurance claim.

Remember What You Can

No one expects a hit and run, so you may not have caught the full license plate. But any detail helps. Was the car a sedan or an SUV? What color? Did it have a dent or bumper stickers? Was it speeding or weaving through traffic? Even small details can help law enforcement identify the driver.

Look for Witnesses

Someone else may have seen what happened. If another driver, pedestrian, or nearby business owner witnessed the crash, ask for their contact information. If they have a dashcam or security footage, it may have recorded the accident.

Take Photos and Video

Your car, the road, any debris—everything tells a story. If you can safely record a video while the details are fresh in your mind, do it. Memory fades fast, and a detail you capture now could make all the difference later.

Get Checked for Injuries

Adrenaline can mask pain, and not all injuries show symptoms right away. Concussions, whiplash, and internal injuries may take hours or even days to become noticeable. Getting checked by a doctor protects your health and creates a medical record if the insurance company questions your claim.

First reactions matter. Taking these steps can help build your case, increase the chances of identifying the driver, and strengthen your claim when dealing with insurance.

How to Report a Hit and Run Accident in Maine

Whether you were in a vehicle, on a bike, or walking when it happened, knowing how to report a hit and run accident in Maine ensures law enforcement has the details needed to investigate and hold the driver accountable.

Where and How to File a Police Report

Officers automatically file a report when they respond to the crash scene. You can request a copy through the Maine State Police or the local department that handled the report. If police do not come to the scene, you must report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency as soon as possible.

What Information to Include

Providing as many of the following details as possible can help law enforcement track down the other driver:

  • The location, time, and date of the accident;
  • A description of the vehicle, including make, model, color, and any unique features like bumper stickers or visible damage;
  • The direction the driver was headed when they fled;
  • Witness names and contact information; and
  • Any available dashcam or security footage.

Police may locate the driver, leading to criminal charges and financial responsibility for the damage. A detailed report provides the facts needed for an insurance claim.

Does Insurance Cover Hit and Run Accidents in Maine?

A hit and run accident in Maine leaves you with damage, medical bills, and no way to hold the at-fault driver accountable. The good news? If you’re wondering whether insurance covers hit and run accidents, the answer is often yes—but the type of coverage and the insurance company’s response can vary.

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Maine law requires every driver to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured. If a hit-and-run driver isn’t found, this coverage can help pay for:

  • Medical expenses,
  • Lost wages, and
  • Pain and suffering.

UM coverage protects you when the other driver can’t be identified, but insurance companies may still try to limit payouts.

Collision Coverage

Collision insurance pays for vehicle repairs after an accident, even if the other driver fled. Unlike UM coverage, it doesn’t cover medical expenses or lost wages, but it does ensure your car gets repaired or replaced. You will still need to pay the deductible, and whether you get reimbursed depends on the driver being found.

Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage

MedPay covers medical bills regardless of who caused the crash. It can help with:

  • Emergency room visits,
  • Doctor’s appointments, and
  • Physical therapy.

Unlike UM coverage, MedPay provides immediate coverage without requiring proof of fault.

Even when coverage applies, insurance companies may question claims, delay payments, or offer less than you deserve.

A strong police report, medical records, and legal support can help ensure your claim gets taken seriously.

What If You Were Hit as a Pedestrian or Cyclist?

A hit and run doesn’t just happen to drivers. Pedestrians and cyclists are just as vulnerable, and when the driver speeds off, they leave injuries, medical bills, and uncertainty behind.

Maine’s uninsured motorist coverage may apply even if you weren’t driving. Many auto policies extend UM coverage to pedestrians and cyclists, helping with medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Alternatively, law enforcement may track down the driver, and their insurance should cover the damage. That doesn’t mean the process will be simple—insurers often push back, question claims, or look for ways to reduce what they pay.

Injured in a Hit and Run Accident in Maine? Call Mann Law Today

Mann Law has a combined 50 years of experience holding people accountable when they cause harm and try to avoid responsibility. A hit and run driver may think they got away with it, but there are ways to track them down—or to get the compensation you need even if they’re never found.

We look at every angle, from surveillance footage and witness statements to insurance policies that can cover your losses. Every case is different, but one thing stays the same: you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Call Mann Law today at 207-618-6531 or fill out our secure contact form for a free consultation.

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Christiana E. Mann Christiana “Chrissy” Mann has specialized in civil litigation for 21+ years as a savvy and creative litigator, and she’s regarded as a fair, compassionate, and zealous advocate on behalf of her clients.