Auto Insurance
Fatal Hit-and-Runs Spike 89% Over 10 Years
Fatal hit-and-runs have been on the rise for the past decade. According to the latest ValuePenguin study, the increase in the number of fatal hit-and-runs between 2012 and 2021 far outpaced the uptick in the number of deadly crashes in the same period.
Below, we’ll break down the fatal hit-and-runs numbers — both at the national and state level. You’ll also get insight into key characteristics associated with hit-and-runs, including the time of day most of these deadly accidents occur and pedestrian involvement.
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Key findings
- Fatal hit-and-runs surged between 2012 and 2021. 2,783 deadly crashes in 2021 (the latest year available) involved hit-and-runs, up 89.4% from 1,469 in 2012. Over the same 10 years, the number of fatal crashes rose by 27.4%.
- The percentage of deadly crashes involving hit-and-runs also jumped significantly in this period. 7.0% of fatal crashes in 2021 involved hit-and-runs, up 48.7% from 4.7% in 2012. That 7.0% figure was the same as in 2020.
- California had the highest share of deadly crashes involving a hit-and-run in the past 10 years. The Golden State, at 10.1%, was followed by Nevada (8.5%) and New Mexico (7.8%). At the other end of the list were Wyoming (1.1%), Maine (1.3%) and New Hampshire (1.4%).
- Fatal hit-and-runs were most likely to occur at night. 9.5% of deadly nighttime crashes between 2012 and 2021 involved a hit-and-run, versus 2.7% of fatal daytime crashes. Over those 10 years, 77.3% of deadly hit-and-runs occurred at night.
- More than 6 in 10 fatal hit-and-runs involved a pedestrian. Over the 10 years analyzed, 62.8% of deadly hit-and-runs involved a pedestrian. From 2012 through 2021, fatal pedestrian deaths were up 53.7%.
Fatal hit-and-runs up 89.4% from 2012 through 2021
Between 2012 and 2021 — the latest year for which data was available — the number of fatal hit-and-runs increased seven times year over year, rising 89.4% from 1,469 in 2012 to 2,783 in 2021. Over those 10 years, there were 19,522 fatal hit-and-runs in the U.S.
Fatal crashes (regardless of whether they involved a hit-and-run) occurred more frequently over those 10 years, too, jumping 27.4% from 31,006 in 2012 to 39,508 in 2021.
Fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs
Year | Fatal crashes that involved hit-and-runs | Fatal crashes that didn’t involve hit-and-runs | Total fatal crashes | % that involved hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,469 | 29,537 | 31,006 | 4.7% |
| 2013 | 1,526 | 28,676 | 30,202 | 5.1% |
| 2014 | 1,528 | 28,528 | 30,056 | 5.1% |
| 2015 | 1,763 | 30,775 | 32,538 | 5.4% |
| 2016 | 2,012 | 32,736 | 34,748 | 5.8% |
| 2017 | 1,956 | 32,604 | 34,560 | 5.7% |
| 2018 | 1,995 | 31,924 | 33,919 | 5.9% |
| 2019 | 1,970 | 31,517 | 33,487 | 5.9% |
| 2020 | 2,520 | 33,415 | 35,935 | 7.0% |
| 2021 | 2,783 | 36,725 | 39,508 | 7.0% |
| Total | 19,522 | 316,437 | 335,959 | 5.8% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data.
Some hit-and-runs may result in only injury or property damage rather than a fatality. These types of non-deadly accidents also saw a significant surge during the 10 years we studied:
- Injury-only hit-and-runs rose 21.9% from 159,854 in 2012 to 194,918 in 2021.
- 1,992,143 total injury-only hit-and-runs occurred between 2012 and 2021.
- Property damage-only hit-and-runs rose 41.3% from 490,793 in 2012 to 702,341 in 2021.
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5,629,915 total property damage-only hit-and-runs occurred during the same period.
Many factors may contribute to the rise in hit-and-runs across the country in recent years. These could include increases in car accident risk factors like speeding and distracted driving.
ValuePenguin auto insurance expert Divya Sangameshwar says the nation’s car-focused transportation system often makes roads unfriendly for pedestrians and cyclists.
She also says inflation may contribute to a rise in 2023 and beyond. "Rising auto insurance rates, repair costs and stiff penalties may drive more Americans to make the split-second choice to drive away from the scene of an accident for fear of the consequences."
However, Sangameshwar warns that such a decision will likely be costly. "The chances you’ll get away from a hit-and-run without being identified or filmed are slim," Sangameshwar says, and "drivers who flee the scene of a hit-and-run could face serious legal consequences."
California had highest share of deadly crashes involving hit-and-runs between 2012 and 2021
California had the highest percentage of deadly crashes that involved hit-and-runs between 2012 and 2021 at 10.1%. Over the 10 years examined, hit-and-runs were cited in 3,348 of 33,252 deadly California crashes.
At 8.5% and 7.8%, respectively, Nevada and New Mexico had the next-highest shares of deadly crashes that involved hit-and-runs.
On the other end of the spectrum, states in the northern part of the country stood out as having the lowest percentages of deadly crashes that involved hit-and-runs. Of the 10 states with the lowest — Wyoming, Maine, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Idaho, North Dakota, Montana, Iowa, Nebraska and Mississippi — only Mississippi is in the South.
Here’s a look at how the 50 states ranked compared to their counterparts:
Percentage of deadly crashes that involved hit-and-runs between 2012 and 2021
Rank | State | % of fatal crashes that involved hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 10.1% |
| 2 | Nevada | 8.5% |
| 3 | New Mexico | 7.8% |
| 4 | New Jersey | 7.7% |
| 5 | Illinois | 7.6% |
| 5 | Hawaii | 7.6% |
| 7 | New York | 7.3% |
| 8 | Florida | 7.2% |
| 8 | Arizona | 7.2% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 7.1% |
| 11 | Texas | 6.9% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6.6% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS data.
Additionally, deadly crashes involving hit-and-runs have become more common in most states between 2012 and 2021.
In Mississippi, related fatalities jumped 1,250% in that period, though the state saw just two fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs in 2012.
The percentage decreased in six states — Delaware, Wyoming, Nebraska, Hawaii, North Dakota and Colorado — and stayed the same in another six — Alaska, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. (Note that some of these are because the number remained the same while others started at zero, so a percentage change couldn’t be calculated.)
Percentage change in the number of fatal hit-and-runs between 2012 and 2021
Rank | State | Fatal hit-and-runs, 2012 | Fatal hit-and-runs, 2021 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 2 | 27 | 1,250.0% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 3 | 21 | 600.0% |
| 3 | Kentucky | 8 | 44 | 450.0% |
| 4 | Oregon | 10 | 31 | 210.0% |
| 5 | Tennessee | 29 | 85 | 193.1% |
| 6 | Missouri | 22 | 60 | 172.7% |
| 7 | Ohio | 32 | 84 | 162.5% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 17 | 44 | 158.8% |
| 9 | Utah | 7 | 16 | 128.6% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 11 | 25 | 127.3% |
| 11 | Georgia | 37 | 79 | 113.5% |
| 12 | Washington | 18 | 38 | 111.1% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS data.
Characteristics of hit-and-runs, from time of day to pedestrian involvement
As ValuePenguin researchers studied fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs, it became apparent that they were more likely to occur under certain conditions.
For example, hit-and-runs in our studied period were more common at certain times of the day, week and year. Further, the majority of deadly hit-and-run accidents involved a pedestrian.
Time of day
Fatal hit-and-run crashes were more common at night. Between 2012 and 2021, 173,700 deadly crashes occurred at night, 9.5% of which involved a hit-and-run. By comparison, 159,738 fatal crashes happened during the day over the same 10 years, but only 2.7% involved a hit-and-run.
Fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs, 2012 through 2021 (by time of day)
Time of day | Fatal crashes that involved hit-and-runs | Fatal crashes that didn’t involve hit-and-runs | Total fatal crashes | % that involved hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime | 4,174 | 155,564 | 159,738 | 2.7% |
| Nighttime | 15,095 | 158,605 | 173,700 | 9.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS data. We excluded the 'unknown' category.
Time of week
It probably comes as no surprise that the majority of fatal hit-and-run crashes occurred on the weekend.
Between 2012 and 2021, 197,913 deadly accidents occurred on weekdays, with 4.9% of those crashes involving hit-and-runs. By comparison, 137,381 deadly accidents occurred on the weekends over the same period, but a hit-and-run was involved in 7.1% of them.
Fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs, 2012 through 2021 (by time of week)
Time of week | Fatal crashes that involved hit-and-runs | Fatal crashes that didn’t involve hit-and-runs | Total fatal crashes | % that involved hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | 9,676 | 188,237 | 197,913 | 4.9% |
| Weekend | 9,770 | 127,611 | 137,381 | 7.1% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS data. We excluded the 'unknown' category.
Although weekends only account for two of seven days each week (28.6% of the week), Saturday and Sunday accounted for a disproportionate amount of fatal wrecks even when hit-and-runs weren’t involved.
Time of year
Certain times of the year saw spikes in fatal hit-and-run crashes between 2012 and 2021. The months with the highest percentages of deadly hit-and-runs were December and February, at 6.2% each.
However, when you examine the number of fatal crashes that involved hit-and-runs during the same period, October took the lead with 1,885 accidents. During August, 1,791 deadly hit-and-run accidents occurred over the 10 years in our study, and both September and December tied with 1,743 fatal hit-and-run crashes each.
Fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs, 2012 through 2021 (by time of year)
Time of year | Fatal crashes that involved hit-and-runs | Fatal crashes that didn’t involve hit-and-runs | Total fatal crashes | % that involved hit-and-runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1,466 | 22,993 | 24,459 | 6.0% |
| February | 1,365 | 20,646 | 22,011 | 6.2% |
| March | 1,451 | 23,856 | 25,307 | 5.7% |
| April | 1,427 | 24,121 | 25,548 | 5.6% |
| May | 1,590 | 27,204 | 28,794 | 5.5% |
| June | 1,628 | 28,081 | 29,709 | 5.5% |
| July | 1,695 | 28,921 | 30,616 | 5.5% |
| August | 1,791 | 29,279 | 31,070 | 5.8% |
| September | 1,743 | 28,744 | 30,487 | 5.7% |
| October | 1,885 | 29,257 | 31,142 | 6.1% |
| November | 1,738 | 27,073 | 28,811 | 6.0% |
| December | 1,743 | 26,262 | 28,005 | 6.2% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NHTSA FARS data.
It’s easy to understand why certain times of the year might see a spike in deadly accidents (and the hit-and-runs that often accompany them). For example, September and December have holidays during which fatal drunken driving crashes can be a heightened threat.
Pedestrian involvement
The majority of the fatal hit-and-runs that took place between 2012 and 2021 involved a pedestrian (62.8%). Of the 19,522 fatal hit-and-runs in those 10 years, 12,259 involved a pedestrian.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that pedestrian motor vehicle crash deaths have risen 80% since 2009. These fatal accidents occur most often in urban locations. Additionally, a significant percentage of pedestrian-related vehicle fatalities had signs of alcohol involvement.
How insurance covers hit-and-runs
The primary focus of this study was deadly hit-and-runs. Yet it can also be useful to have some general knowledge regarding how to handle a hit-and-run if you’re a victim of a non-deadly one.
On a positive note, uninsured motorist coverage should protect you if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run. Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) coverage can pay for medical expenses, while uninsured motorist property damage (UIMPD) can cover the cost of vehicle repairs.
"In some states, like New Jersey, basic insurance policies for private vehicles don’t require uninsured motorist coverage," Sangameshwar says. "But purchasing it is a very good idea."
Sangameshwar also points out that California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana and Ohio don’t allow drivers to use traditional uninsured motorist coverage to pay for property damages from a hit-and-run. In these states, personal injury protection, collision coverage and medical payments coverage can cover injuries and car damage. As a result, it’s critical to make sure you have enough coverage to protect yourself.
4 steps to take if you’re a victim of a hit-and-run
- Call the police and EMS. Wait for an officer to arrive, investigate the incident and create an accident report. "Remember to ask for a copy of the official report (or a case number)," says Sangameshwar, "and the officer’s name and badge number as you will need this information while filing your claim with your insurer." If you need medical attention, get it as soon as possible. Doing so should make it easier to document your injuries and prove they were a direct result of the accident.
- Document the accident. Record as much information about the accident and damages as possible. "Your notes should include the location, time of day when the accident happened, the weather conditions, landmarks, relevant signage and description of the damages as visible to you," Sangameshwar says. It could also be helpful to take pictures or video of damage to your vehicle and any other damage at the scene such as debris or tire marks, assuming it’s safe to do so.
- Notify your insurer. Contact your insurer ASAP after the accident. You’ll want to act while the details are still fresh in your mind. Your insurer will let you know about the information you’ll need to file the claim, and what to expect during the claims process.
- Don’t admit fault: "Even if you think you were at fault," says Sangameshwar, "don’t admit it because you may not know all the factors at play." Let the officers and insurance companies make their assessments independently. Admitting fault when you don’t know all the details could bias the findings against you.
Methodology
ValuePenguin researchers analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data from 2012 through 2021 — the latest year for which data was available — to show how fatal hit-and-runs have changed nationally and by state.
Analysts examined the number and proportion of deadly crashes involving hit-and-runs nationally — overall and by various factors, including time and pedestrian involvement. By state, researchers calculated the rate of fatal crashes involving hit-and-runs between 2012 and 2021, as well as the change in the number of fatal hit-and-run crashes in the same period.