Bridgeport Hit-and-Run Car Accident Law Firm

Getting hit by a car is traumatic enough. But when the driver takes off and leaves you behind, that trauma turns into something worse. You may be injured, confused, and not sure what to do next. You’re left with questions. Who will pay for your medical bills? Will the police find the driver? Do you even have a case?

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we understand how a hit-and-run accident can affect your life. These situations are deeply personal and unsettling, and we’re here to help guide you through the next steps. Whether or not the at-fault driver is identified, you still have legal options, and we’re ready to stand with you.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene without stopping to help or provide contact information. In Connecticut, this is not only wrong, it’s a crime. Connecticut General Statute 14-224 makes it a crime for any driver involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or property damage to leave the scene without providing contact information or rendering necessary aid.

Unfortunately, Connecticut sees many hit-and-run cases each year. Some of these involve pedestrians and cyclists, which increases the chances of injuries occurring. Some are seriously injured. Some lose loved ones. And in too many cases, the person responsible just keeps driving.

Legal Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers

If the police catch a hit-and-run driver, they could face criminal charges. In Connecticut, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony. That’s the criminal side of things.

But for the victim, whether you were a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, the most immediate concern is usually how to cover medical expenses, missed work, and other costs. That’s where the civil side comes in. You have a right to seek compensation, even if the driver is never found.

Here’s how that typically works:

• If the at-fault driver is found and they have insurance, you can pursue a claim against their policy.
• If the driver is uninsured or leaves the scene and cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover through your own insurance using uninsured motorist coverage.
• In some very rare cases, the Connecticut Office of Victim Services may offer financial help for victims of crime, including hit-and-runs.

Uninsured motorist coverage exists for this exact situation. Connecticut requires all auto insurance policies to include it. That means if you own a car and were injured by a hit-and-run driver, even while walking or biking, you might be covered under your own policy. This is one of the reasons we always advise clients not to cut corners on their uninsured motorist coverage.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

No one expects to be in a hit-and-run. But if it happens, what you do in the minutes and days afterward can affect your ability to recover compensation. Even if you don’t know who hit you, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Here’s what to do:

• Call 911 right away. A police report creates a legal record and may help identify the driver.
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Injuries sometimes take hours or days to show up.
• Try to remember details. Write down anything you recall. Try to recall the color of the vehicle, make or model, location, time, or even part of the license plate.
• Talk to witnesses. Get names and contact info if anyone nearby saw what happened.
• Look for cameras. Ask local businesses or homeowners if they have security footage from the time of the crash.
• Notify your insurance company. Let them know it was a hit-and-run so they can begin evaluating your UM claim.
• Call a personal injury attorney. Don’t wait. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better the chances of recovering what you deserve.

Even if you don’t have much information about the vehicle or driver, you should still report it. The police may be able to track them down using security camera footage or other tools. This is successful more than you would expect.

How Tremont Sheldon P.C. Can Help You

Hit-and-run cases are different from other car accidents. They involve more than just legal paperwork. They require investigative work, creative problem-solving, and a thorough understanding of Connecticut’s insurance laws.

Here’s how we help:

• Uninsured motorist claims: We know how to deal with insurance companies. We’ll review your policy, document your injuries, and push for full compensation through your coverage.
• Investigation assistance: If there’s any chance to identify the driver, we’ll pursue it. We work with local police, review surveillance footage, and analyze the crash scene.
• Communication with insurers: Insurance companies don’t always make things easy. We’ll handle the back-and-forth, make sure deadlines are met, and protect your rights.
• Court representation if needed: Most claims settle, but if trial becomes necessary, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies will know you are serious because of how we prepare your case.
• Emotional support: We know it’s not just about bills. It’s also about closure, fairness, and getting your life back. We take that seriously and we treat every client with respect and compassion.

What if You Don’t Have Car Insurance?

If you were a pedestrian or cyclist without your own auto insurance, you might still have options. For example, you may be covered under a household family member’s uninsured motorist policy. Or, if the crash involved a rideshare or delivery service, other coverage may be available.

The best way to find out what applies is to speak with a personal injury lawyer who handles hit-and-run cases. Every situation is different.

When the Driver Is Found but Has No Insurance

Sometimes, police eventually locate the hit-and-run driver, but the situation still isn’t resolved. What if they don’t have insurance? Or they were driving a stolen vehicle? In these cases, your legal options may be similar to what they would be if the driver had never been found at all. We can help you file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage or explore other sources of recovery.

These cases can be complicated, but we know how to sort through them carefully and protect your rights.

What Happens if the Police Identify the Hit-and-Run Driver Weeks or Months Later

Some people assume that if the driver isn’t caught right away, there’s no chance of justice. But that isn’t always the case. In many hit-and-run accidents, the police need time to gather leads. It might be a witness who comes forward later, a surveillance camera that wasn’t reviewed right away, or even a tip from someone who hears about damage to a neighbor’s car. It’s frustrating to wait, but in some cases, a name does surface.

When that happens, your legal situation can change quickly. If the driver is identified and has insurance, you may be able to shift your claim from uninsured motorist coverage to a direct liability claim against the driver. If they’re uninsured, we can still pursue compensation through your own policy and may also be able to sue the driver personally.

It’s important to preserve all evidence during that waiting period, and to stay in touch with both your lawyer and the investigating officers.

When a Hit-and-Run Happens While You’re Riding a Bicycle

Cyclists are especially vulnerable in hit-and-run crashes. The injuries tend to be serious, and the risk of being thrown from the bike or knocked into traffic is high. What makes it even harder is that drivers who strike cyclists often claim they “didn’t see anyone,” or they panic and leave without checking if the cyclist is okay.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we’ve worked with bicycle accident victims throughout Connecticut, including in Bridgeport, Shelton, and nearby towns where cycling is popular but safe bike lanes are still limited.

In many of these cases, the driver isn’t found. But that doesn’t mean the cyclist has no options. We will work with police and investigators to try to track down hit-and-run drivers using street cameras, nearby business footage, or even social media reports. Some drivers are eventually located because a witness remembers a detail or someone spots a damaged car parked in a driveway.

Beyond the physical injuries, cyclists often face damaged bikes and lost income from missing work. In more severe cases, the crash may result in long-term disabilities or permanent mobility issues. PTSD is also common, sometimes making it difficult for victims to get back on a bike.

Our job is to document all of this and build a full picture of how the hit-and-run affected your life. Whether or not the driver is found, we can still help you pursue compensation and push for the support you need to heal.

Talk to Someone Who Understands What You’re Going Through

Being injured in a hit-and-run crash is more than just a legal issue, it’s personal. You may be dealing with pain and the anger of not knowing who did this to you. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have stood beside many people in your position. We listen. We explain your options clearly. And we help you take back a sense of control, whether the driver is found or not.

Your consultation is always free. Call us today at 203-212-9075 or reach out through our Contact Form. You don’t have to face this on your own. Let us help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Post About the Crash on Social Media?

It might feel natural to share your story online, especially if you’re trying to find witnesses. But be careful. Insurance companies sometimes use social media to downplay injuries or challenge claims. A well-meaning post can be misunderstood or taken out of context. If you want to share your experience, talk to your lawyer first. We can help you decide what’s safe to say and what should stay private until your case is resolved. Protecting your claim also means protecting your voice.

What if You Were a Passenger in Someone Else’s Car?

If you were riding in a friend’s or family member’s car during a hit-and-run, you may still have a right to compensation. You might be covered under the car owner’s insurance policy, your own policy, or even both. These cases can involve overlapping coverage and confusing paperwork.

We help passengers understand who is responsible for paying their medical bills and lost wages, and how to pursue claims without causing tension between friends or relatives.

How long do I have to file a hit-and-run claim in Connecticut?

You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim under Connecticut law. However, insurance companies may require notice of a hit-and-run much sooner, sometimes within days or weeks. There are also situations where the deadline to file a claim is shorter than two years. You should consult an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Do I need a lawyer even if my insurance company says they’ll take care of it?

It’s wise to have someone on your side who works for you, not the insurance company. Even when they seem helpful, insurance companies are still focused on limiting their own payouts. A lawyer can make sure your injuries are fully documented, deadlines are met, and that your recovery is treated fairly.