Hit and run shattered my shoulder and collarbone — driver found, now what?

I went through something really similar — driver ran, got caught, had a suspended license, and the insurance situation was a total mess because the car was in someone else's name. Honestly the ownership thing complicated everything. I ended up getting a PI attorney and I'm really glad I did. Just the fact that there's a criminal case happening at the same time as the civil stuff gets confusing fast.

That part about them reaching out fast? Trust your gut. Insurance adjusters — whether it's yours or theirs — sometimes contact injured people early specifically because you're overwhelmed and more likely to accept something low or say something that hurts you later. Do not give a recorded statement to anyone without understanding exactly what it's for. Seriously.

Former claims adjuster here. The fact that the vehicle was registered to someone other than the driver actually matters a lot and can affect which policy (if any) covers the damages. Your own UM/UIM coverage may absolutely come into play even though the driver was found — it's not just for hit-and-runs where the person is never identified. It depends on how your policy is worded and whether the at-fault driver's coverage is insufficient for your injuries, which with two surgeries it very likely will be. Pull your own declarations page and look at your UM/UIM limits ASAP.

A few things worth keeping track of right now:

• Save everything — ER records, imaging, surgical notes, any bills that come in
• Document your missed work in writing somehow, even just emails to your employer
• Keep a pain journal if you can, even short entries — it matters later
• Don't post about the accident on social media at all

The suspended license and the criminal case running parallel to a civil claim is exactly the kind of situation where having someone in your corner who knows the process makes a real difference.

Not legal advice, but I'll say this — when you have a hit and run with a caught driver, a suspended license, a third-party vehicle registration, serious orthopedic injuries, and lost wages from a new job, that's not a case I'd recommend handling solo. Too many moving parts. Most PI attorneys work on contingency so there's no upfront cost, and a consultation is almost always free. At minimum, talk to one before you respond to any insurance company. Again, not legal advice — just a strong suggestion.

Please make sure your surgical and follow-up care is being properly documented at every appointment. I've seen people rush through follow-ups when they start feeling slightly better, and then months later realize they have complications or permanent limitations that weren't fully captured in their records. Your shoulder and clavicle injuries can have really long recovery timelines. Don't minimize symptoms to your doctors just because you want to feel optimistic. Tell them everything.

I just want to say I'm so sorry this happened to you, especially right when things were finally coming together. That's just brutal. Please lean on people around you right now if you can — you don't have to figure all of this out alone and definitely not while you're still healing.

Three things: don't sign anything, don't give recorded statements, and go talk to a personal injury lawyer this week. Most will see you for free. You've got real injuries, a documented at-fault driver, and ongoing medical treatment — that's exactly the kind of case attorneys take seriously. Stop trying to navigate the insurance stuff yourself, it's not worth it.