How to Handle a Hit-and-Run Accident Without Witnesses in Louisiana

What to do when the other driver disappears—your guide to hit and run claims in Louisiana.

It’s one thing to be involved in a car accident. It’s another thing entirely when the other driver takes off and leaves you there, unsure what just happened or what to do next. Maybe it was late at night and the street was empty. Maybe you were too shaken to catch the license plate. All you know is your car is damaged, you’re hurt, and no one else stuck around to take responsibility.

These situations leave people feeling stuck—unsure whether it’s even worth reporting, and frustrated by how quickly the other driver seemed to disappear. But even without a witness or a clear ID on the other car, there are steps you can take. The laws of Louisiana give  you a path forward, and your own insurance might cover more than you think. This guide walks through what to do next, based on what actually applies here in Louisiana.

What Counts as a Hit and Run in Louisiana?

A hit and run isn’t just frustrating—it’s a criminal offense in Louisiana. La. R.S. § 14:100 states that: 

“Hit-and-run driving is the intentional failure of the driver of a vehicle involved in or causing any accident, to stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident, to give his identity, and to render reasonable aid.”

Unfortunately, hit and runs are more common than people think—and they can leave victims feeling powerless, especially if no one else saw what happened. Nationwide, there’s at least one hit-and-run crash every 43 seconds, which means these cases aren’t rare outliers. Even if you’re left without a license plate or a witness, it’s still important to call the police. An official report creates a paper trail and gives your insurance company (or your lawyer) something to work with. It’s also the first step in opening an investigation that might help identify the other driver.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Louisiana Without Witnesses

Even when the other driver flees, what you do next can affect your recovery, both physically and financially. The basic steps still apply, and if you're not sure where to start, you can find a full breakdown in our previous guide on what to do after a wreck.

If you’re in a hit-and-run accident in Louisiana without witnesses, here are some important things you can do:

• Move your vehicle out of the roadway if it’s safe to do so.

• Call 911 to report the accident and get medical help if needed.

• Take photos of everything—your vehicle, any visible damage, debris, skid marks, and the surrounding area.

• Write down what you remember about the other car: color, make, model, any part of the license plate, or even the direction it went.

• Look around for cameras. Knock on nearby doors or check for businesses that may have caught the crash on surveillance video.

• Don’t brush off pain. If anything feels off—back, neck, head—go to a doctor. Even if you think it’s minor, early treatment can make a big difference and helps document your injury.

These steps may feel like a lot in the moment, especially if you’re dealing with shock or pain. But they help protect your ability to file a claim and hold the other driver accountable—if and when they’re identified.

Can You Still File a Claim With No Witnesses?

Yes—you can still file a claim after a hit and run accident, even if there were no witnesses. In Louisiana, your own insurance policy may include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which is designed for situations just like this—where the driver responsible for the accident can’t be found or doesn't have sufficient insurance.

To start the process, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide a copy of the police report, any photos or videos from the scene, and notes you made after the accident—like the license plate number (even if it’s only partial), the make and model of the vehicle involved, or details about how the driver fled. Keep all medical records, receipts for medical expenses, and proof of lost wages. These will be important if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim under your UM coverage.

In Louisiana, there’s generally a two-year statute of limitations to file a claim with your insurer in a hit-and-run case involving UM coverage. Waiting too long could affect your right to pursue compensation, so it’s best to act quickly—even if the other driver is never identified.

Trying to Identify the Hit and Run Driver

Even in a hit-and-run where no witnesses were present, it may still be possible to identify the driver responsible. A few key steps can improve your chances of finding the other vehicle:

• Knock on doors in the area where the car accident happened. Someone nearby may have seen the other car or have exterior surveillance cameras that recorded part of the crash or the driver fleeing.

• Send preservation letters to nearby homeowners or business owners. These letters ask them to keep any video footage from the time of the accident before it gets automatically erased.

• If you wrote down or remember a partial license plate number, give it to the police and your insurance company. Both may be able to use that information to help track down the at-fault driver. Auto insurance companies have access to large databases that can match vehicles with limited details.

• Stay in contact with the police. Sometimes, they can identify a suspect vehicle based on the vehicle damage, debris left behind, or other leads from the official

Making a UM Claim in Louisiana

When the hit-and-run driver can’t be identified, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can step in to help cover your losses. This part of your auto insurance policy is meant to protect you when the at-fault driver either lacks sufficient insurance or flees the scene of a car accident and can’t be found. In a hit-and-run case, UM coverage may pay for:

• Medical bills and other treatment-related medical expenses

• Lost wages if you’re unable to work due to your injuries

• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress

• Future medical treatments or rehabilitation

To understand what your own insurance policy covers, ask your insurance company for a copy of your declarations page. That document outlines your policy limits, which can directly affect how much you may recover after a run accident. When filing your UM claim, include the police report, photos, and any witness statements or other evidence. The police report serves as an official record and may support your right to benefits under your policy

Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Louisiana

If the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the driver responsible. To win a personal injury claim in Louisiana, you generally need to prove three key things:

• The other driver was at fault for the car crash

• You suffered actual injuries as a result

• Their decision to flee the scene made your situation worse, physically, financially, or emotionally

These cases can include compensation for vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. But timing is everything. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Louisiana depends on when the accident occurred:

• One year if the crash happened before January 1, 2024

• Two years if the crash happened on or after January 1, 2024

For a full breakdown, see this article on Louisiana’s updated statute of limitations. Missing these deadlines can cut off your right to pursue legal action altogether, even if the other car was later found.

Police Investigations in Hit and Run Cases

In many hit-and-run accident situations, especially when someone is hurt or serious vehicle damage occurs, police will open an investigation. The police report not only creates an official record, but it can also lay the groundwork for both insurance claims and any potential personal injury lawsuit down the line. Here’s what that process may look like:

• Officers may canvass nearby businesses or homes and request surveillance camera footage

• You may be asked to help identify the vehicle involved based on your memory of the car crash

• If you managed to write down a license plate number, that can be traced to the driver responsible

• Police sometimes identify the other vehicle through damage patterns, witness accounts, or security video

It’s important to stay in regular contact with the investigating officer. Follow up, provide any new evidence, and ask for updates. Persistence matters—especially in a hit and run case where the other driver tried to disappear.

When the Other Driver Runs, Don’t Run From Your Rights

Being in a hit-and-run accident can make you feel isolated and powerless, but Louisiana law and your own insurance policy give you tools to act. Reporting the accident, seeking medical attention, preserving evidence, and filing a UM coverage claim are all essential steps toward recovery. If your insurance company delays or denies your claim, or if you're unsure how to move forward without witnesses or a known at-fault driver, Burnham Law Firm can help you make sense of the legal landscape and take the next step with clarity. Start here to take back some control.