2021 was a record year for hit-and-runs—here's what to do if you're a victim

Crashing and dashing is a growing problem in the U.S. 

Hit-and-run crashes climbed to a recent high in 2021, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data analysis by The General. Of the 4.3 million accidents that caused property damage, 16% involved hit-and-runs. 

The percentage of fatal crashes caused by hit-and-runs also increased, rising to just over 7% since 2019, NHTSA data shows.

"This trend is not going to reverse in the years ahead," said Divya Sangameshwar, an insurance expert for consumer website ValuePenguin.

Sangameshwar says the country's persistent inflation and temperamental job market are partially to blame for the increase. People are making the split decision to dash from crashes instead of doing the right (and legal) thing of stopping and facing the financial and legal consequences, she said. "We are human beings, and we tend to fight or flight." 

 Two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic still kept much of the nation off the roads. Fewer people traveled because they were working from home, social distancing, and quarantining. The people who were driving tended to be younger and more prone to risky behaviors, Sangameshwar said. 

"Older, more risk-averse drivers were taking precautions and not driving," Sangameshwar said. Of those who did drive, she said they had to "contend with the more risky and aggressive drivers on the roads and adapt their driving style."