Hit and Run Lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Hit and run accidents are unfortunately common all over the U.S. If you or a loved one has been involved in one, you need a legal team that knows the local laws inside and out, and who will fight to ensure you're properly compensated.

At Colbert Law Firm, we know very well that the victims go through a series of confusion, fear, and frustration after a hit and run accident. These incidents are known to leave victims with physical injuries, vehicle damage, and unanswered questions, especially when the at-fault driver flees the scene.

Our hit and run lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C. are ready to provide all the legal help you need for full compensation.

What Is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to provide identification or assistance, as required by law.

In Maryland, under Md. Code, Transportation § 20-102, drivers are legally required to:

Stop immediately at the scene.

Provide their name, address, driver’s license, and registration.

Offer aid to injured individuals.

Notify law enforcement if there’s serious injury, death, or significant property damage.

In Washington, D.C., similar obligations exist under D.C. Code § 50-2201.05c. Failure to comply is a criminal offense with penalties including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

Hit and run crashes can range from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions involving serious injury or death. Regardless of severity, fleeing the scene is illegal and victims have legal recourse.

Common Reasons for Hit and Run Accidents

Although there's never a valid excuse to flee the scene, hit and run drivers do so for a variety of reasons, including:

• Driving without a license or insurance


• Outstanding warrants or prior criminal history


• Driving under the influence (DUI)


• Fear of legal consequences


• Immigration-related concerns


• Panic or impaired judgment at the time of the crash

Understanding the motivations behind a hit and run is necessary when piecing together your case, especially if the driver is later identified.

How to Decide if You Need a Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident?

Here’s when you absolutely need legal representation:

• You suffered physical injuries, especially if they required hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing care.


• Your vehicle sustained major damage or was totaled.


• You are having trouble dealing with insurance companies or uninsured motorist claims.


• The at-fault driver was never identified.


• You are being wrongfully accused of causing the accident.

Even when the other driver is unknown, victims in Maryland and D.C. may still recover compensation through Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage or crime victims’ compensation programs.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident

If you’re the victim of a hit and run, you’ve to take the following steps immediately:

1. Call 911 immediately

Even if injuries seem minor, a police report is crucial for insurance and potential prosecution.

2. Seek medical attention

Some injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) may not be obvious at first.

3. Document the scene

Take pictures of your car, the location, any visible injuries, and the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate if possible.

4. Get witness information

Eyewitnesses can provide vital testimony or photos/videos.

5. Report to your insurance

Let your carrier know you’ve been involved in a hit and run. In Maryland and D.C., UM coverage often applies.

6. Contact a reliable hit and run attorney

Legal guidance by hit and run accident attorneys can preserve your rights and improve your compensation outcome.

What Not to Do After an Accident

Just as important as what you should do is knowing what not to do:

• Do not chase the fleeing driver since this can escalate danger or cause further accidents.


• Do not admit fault or speculate. Limit what you say at the scene and to insurance adjusters until you’ve spoken with an attorney


• Do not delay medical care. Insurance companies may use delays as evidence that your injuries weren’t serious.


• Do not accept a quick settlement offer. It may undervalue your claim, especially before your medical recovery is complete.

What Types of Compensation Are You Entitled To?

Even when the hit and run driver is unidentified, you may be entitled to substantial compensation with the help from a reliable hit and run lawyer in Maryland and Washington, D.C., including:

• Medical expenses (past, current, and future)


• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity


• Pain and suffering


• Vehicle repair or replacement


• Emotional distress


• Punitive damages (in cases of extreme recklessness or malicious behavior)

In Maryland, you can file a UM claim through your own policy. In D.C., you may be eligible for compensation under both UM coverage and the Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP) if the accident involved a criminal hit and run.

Time limits apply. In both jurisdictions, the statute of limitations for personal injury is three years, but reporting deadlines for insurance or victim compensation programs are often much shorter - sometimes within 30 days.

Why Hire Our Hit and Run Lawyers in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

At Colbert Law Firm, we bring deep knowledge of Maryland and D.C. law, a track record of personal injury success, and a client-first approach to every hit and run case we take.

Here’s what we offer:

Thorough investigation

We work with accident reconstruction experts, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to help identify the driver or support your claim even if they remain unknown.

Insurance navigation

Whether dealing with your own UM policy or a third-party insurer, we protect you from lowball offers and ensure all legal deadlines are met.

Maximum compensation

We account for every dollar you’re owed, including long-term care, trauma, and future losses.

Legal representation in court

If your case proceeds to trial, we have the experience and resources to advocate forcefully on your behalf.