Hit and run caught on camera — do I push for criminal charges or just let insurance handle it?

I went through almost the exact same thing last year. My honest take: don't let sympathy for the other driver rush your decision tonight. I waited a few days, talked to a few people, and felt way more clear-headed about what I actually wanted. The soreness you feel today can be way worse by day three — I wish someone had told me that before I downplayed my injuries early on.

Not legal advice, but worth knowing: once you report to the police, the decision to file criminal charges generally shifts to the prosecutor's office — you don't control that process. What you do control is your own civil claim for injuries and property damage. Those two tracks run independently of each other, so pursuing one doesn't automatically complicate the other. Talk to a PI attorney before you say much more to insurance. Most do free consults.

Please be careful what you say to any insurance adjuster right now — even your own. Phrases like 'I'm a little sore' or 'it wasn't that bad' get written down and used against you later. Stick to 'I'm seeking medical attention and will have more information after I'm evaluated.' That's it. Say nothing more about your physical condition until a doctor has actually seen you.

Go to urgent care first thing tomorrow, and when you're there, be thorough about describing every single symptom — neck stiffness, headache, jaw pain, tingling, all of it. Rear-impact injuries are sneaky. The inflammation and muscle tension can peak 48–72 hours after the crash, not right away. A lot of people feel 'okay-ish' the first night and then can barely turn their head two days later. Get it documented now while the timeline is clear.

Former claims adjuster here. Having dashcam footage is genuinely huge — it changes the entire dynamic. Most hit-and-run claims become a real fight because it's your word against nothing. You have evidence. Use it. That said, the insurance company's job is still to minimize the payout, even with clear footage. Don't assume the video makes everything easy — it just makes liability harder to dispute. Damages are a whole separate negotiation.

You don't have to decide tonight whether to 'press charges.' Sleep on it. Get checked out medically. Let the police do their thing. You can always cooperate with prosecutors later — you can't un-say something impulsive you told an adjuster at 10pm when you're still in shock.

I just want to say — I'm really sorry this happened to you. Being hit and then just watched while someone drives away is such a violating feeling. Please don't be alone tonight if you can help it, and genuinely take care of yourself first before worrying about all the logistics. The claims and decisions can wait a day. Your health can't.

Quick question: did the police actually confirm the registered owner was the same person driving, or just that they found who owns the car? Because those aren't always the same thing, and that could matter a lot for both the criminal side and the insurance claim. Worth clarifying with the officer before you assume the case is airtight.