Your first priority is safety. Do not chase the fleeing vehicle. Instead, pull over to a safe place if you can, turn on your hazard lights, and take a breath so you can focus on your next moves.

Call 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher:

• Where the crash happened.
• Whether anyone is injured and needs medical help.
• Anything you remember about the other vehicle (color, type, damage, license plate digits, direction of travel).

Calling 911 quickly is not just about safety. It also creates a time-stamped record that your insurer and the investigating officer can rely on later.

Stay at the scene. Utah law requires drivers involved in crashes to stop and remain at or near the scene. Staying put helps avoid confusion about who was involved and allows officers and medical professionals to reach you promptly.

Utah Code § 41-6a-401 and related statutes require drivers involved in crashes to stop, exchange information, and provide aid where needed. Leaving the scene of a crash can be a crime even when the damage seems minor.

Penalties increase with the severity of the crash:

• Property damage only: typically charged as a Class B misdemeanor.
• Injury to another person: can be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.
• Serious injury or death: may be charged as a felony, with potential prison time.

If law enforcement later identifies the fleeing driver, prosecutors can pursue criminal charges. As part of that criminal case, the court may also order restitution to help repay your financial losses.

When the at-fault driver disappears, most Utah victims turn first to their own insurance. The exact coverage will depend on your policy, but several common protections often apply.

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM). UM coverage is designed for situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified, which includes many hit-and-run crashes. UM can help with:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages if you miss work.
• Pain and suffering, if covered by your policy and Utah law.

Personal injury protection (PIP). Utah is a no-fault state for basic medical coverage. PIP usually covers:

• Initial medical treatment costs.
• Some lost income and household services, up to policy limits.

Collision coverage. If you carry collision coverage, it may help pay to repair or replace your vehicle even when the other driver cannot be found.

Notify your insurer of the hit-and-run as soon as you can. Provide the claim number from the police report, photos, and any witness information to support your version of events.

Thorough documentation can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim or any later legal case.

See a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue damage, may not be obvious at the scene. A prompt medical exam:

• Protects your health.
• Creates a clear record tying injuries to the crash date.

Build a “recovery file.” Keep everything in one place, including:

• Medical bills and records.
• Repair estimates and photos of your vehicle.
• Pay stubs or employer letters showing missed work.
• A simple journal describing pain, sleep issues, or activity limits.

This organized record helps you, your insurer, and any attorney understand the full impact of the hit-and-run over time.