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Someone Hit My Vehicle and Ran Away

Your vehicle was hit by another driver who fled the scene without stopping. You need to know your rights and how to take legal action.

Do this now
  1. 01Ensure your safety and check for injuries
  2. 02Call ambulance if anyone is injured: 108
  3. 03Call police immediately: 100 or 112
  4. 04Note the vehicle number, color, make, and model of the fleeing vehicle
  5. 05Collect witness details — names and phone numbers
  6. 06Check for nearby CCTV cameras (shops, ATMs, traffic signals)
  7. 07Take photos of your vehicle damage and the accident scene
  8. 08File FIR at the nearest police station immediately
  9. 09Inform your insurance company within 24 hours
Evidence to collect
  1. Photos of vehicle damage
  2. Photos of accident location and road conditions
  3. Witness statements with contact details
  4. CCTV footage from nearby cameras
  5. Medical reports if anyone is injured
  6. Vehicle registration and insurance details
  7. FIR copy
  8. Traffic police report
Documents you need
  1. FIR copy
  2. Medical reports and hospital bills (if injured)
  3. Vehicle registration certificate (RC)
  4. Driving licence
  5. Insurance policy document
  6. Photographs of vehicle damage
  7. Witness statements
  8. CCTV footage (if available)
Where to complain
  1. Nearest Police Station — FIR
  2. Traffic Police Office
  3. Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT)
  4. Insurance Company — for claim
Laws that apply
  1. Motor Vehicles Act — Section 161 (Hit and run compensation from Solatium Fund)
  2. Motor Vehicles Act — Section 166 (Application for compensation to MACT)
  3. Motor Vehicles Act — Section 134 (Duty to stop and report accident)
  4. BNS Section 106 — Causing death by negligence
  5. BNS Section 125 — Rash and negligent act endangering life
  6. BNS Section 281 — Rash driving on public road
Understanding the issue

Hit and run is a serious offence under Indian law. The Motor Vehicles Act and BNS impose strict penalties on drivers who flee after causing an accident. Victims have the right to compensation even if the offending driver is not identified — through the Solatium Fund managed by the government. If someone is injured or killed, the offence is cognizable and non-bailable.

When to see a lawyer

Consult a lawyer if you need to file a MACT claim for compensation, if the offending driver is identified and you want to pursue criminal charges, or if your insurance claim is rejected.