You've been injured in a hit and run accident - now what

December 18, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Hit-and-run car accidents can be frightening and overwhelming, especially when the other driver disappears and you’re left to deal with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance questions. If you’re injured, act quickly to protect your health and your rights. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to what to do and why contacting a lawyer matters.

What to do immediately after a hit-and-run in Ontario

1. Ensure safety and call emergency services if needed. If you’re able, move to a safe location away from traffic. If anyone is injured or there's danger, call 911 right away. Do not attempt to chase the other vehicle.
2. Report the incident to the police. A hit-and-run is a crime, and reporting it creates an official record that can be crucial for investigations and future claims. Provide as much detail as you can about the other vehicle (make, model, colour, any distinguishing features) and the direction it took. Even imperfect memories can help investigators.
3. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay at first, injuries from car crashes can appear days later. A prompt medical evaluation documents injuries for treatment and insurance purposes and strengthens any possible legal claim.
4. Gather information at a safe distance. If you can do so without compromising safety, note the exact location, time, weather, and road conditions. Look for witnesses and ask for contact information. If there are security cameras nearby (shops, gas stations, intersections), ask permission to review footage and note the times.
5. Document the scene. Take clear photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries you’ve sustained. Photos can be powerful evidence when you’re pursuing benefits or a civil claim.
6. Notify your insurer promptly. Tell them you were involved in a hit-and-run. Share the police report number and any medical notes. Follow their instructions for filing claims and providing supporting documents. Keeping a detailed log of communications and dates helps.
7. Understand your insurance options. In Ontario, even when the other driver is unidentified, you may be eligible for accident benefits under your own policy, including medical benefits, attendant care, and income replacement. Depending on the situation, a civil claim against the at-fault driver (if later identified) may also be possible. Your insurer and a lawyer can explain the best path for you.
8. Time matters. Some benefits and claims have deadlines, and evidence can fade. Acting quickly helps preserve your rights and strengthens potential compensation.

Why you should speak with a lawyer, especially if you’re injured

• A dedicated personal injury lawyer can explain your rights under Ontario law, help you access no-fault benefits, and pursue a claim for pain and suffering if a liable driver is identified. They can also navigate the complexities of hit-and-run investigations, gather required evidence, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
• Early legal guidance helps you avoid missteps that could limit your recovery. An experienced attorney can assess all potential avenues—no-fault benefits, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and, when possible, tort claims—and tailor a plan to your specific injuries and losses.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run, Deutschmann de Koning Law is here to help. Our Ontario-based team specializes in motor vehicle accident cases, including hit-and-run situations. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your rights, explain your options, and determine the best path forward. We can help preserve evidence, communicate with insurers, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Don’t wait to seek assistance. Contact Deutschmann de Koning Law to discuss your case after a hit-and-run in Ontario. Your health comes first, and strong legal support can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and finances.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.