Your Neck Hurts, the Hospital Bill is $6,000, and the Guy Who Hit You Ghosted. Now What?

You were driving home like any other day when “bam” a car slammed into yours. Your neck snapped back. You felt dazed. The ambulance took you to the hospital, and after some x-rays, pain meds, and a neck brace, you were discharged. A week later, the hospital sends you a bill: $6,000. The guy who hit you? Nowhere to be found. He’s stopped answering calls, never reported the crash, and you’re stuck in pain with a pile of debt. So… what now?

Step 1: Don’t Panic - You Have Options

Don’t panic. You are not powerless. If you were hit by another driver and they were at fault, you may still be able to recover damages, even if they’ve ghosted you. But timing is critical, so the earlier you take action, the better.

Step 2: File a Police Report (If You Haven’t Already)

If a police report wasn’t filed at the time of the accident, do it now. It’s a crucial piece of documentation that can support your claim. A report helps establish who was at fault, and if the other driver fled or failed to cooperate, that behavior will be noted strengthening your case.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance - Even if It Wasn’t Your Fault

Yes, it feels wrong to involve your insurance when they caused the accident. But if the other driver is unreachable, your insurer may be your best (and fastest) path to compensation. If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), it can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering when the at-fault party disappears.

If you don’t have UM/UIM, your collision coverage may help with vehicle repairs, and personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay can offset some medical expenses.

Step 4: Track Down the Driver

If the other driver initially gave you their insurance details, don’t give up on that lead. Your lawyer can send a demand letter to their insurance company and even file a claim. If they don’t respond, the next step may be filing a lawsuit. Some states allow you to sue uninsured or hit-and-run drivers directly, and if you win, you may be able to garnish wages or seize assets to get your money.

Step 5: Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

You don’t have to handle this alone. A personal injury attorney can take the stress off your shoulders. They’ll investigate the accident, work with your medical providers, and pursue the insurance company or the driver directly to recover the money you’re owed. Most lawyers in this area work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win.

Bottom line: If you’re hurting, staring at medical bills, and the person who caused it all disappeared - don’t just eat the cost. You have rights. Talk to a personal injury lawyer, file the proper paperwork, and get the compensation you deserve. Because your pain is real, your bills are real, and your case deserves to be taken seriously. If you would like to speak with a lawyer about your case, call Brinkley Law today at 317-766-1379.