Being sideswiped by a speeding driver who runs off can leave you angry and helpless. You’re going about your business, then suddenly you’re grappling with bent metal and a driver halfway down the block. You’re standing there, wondering what you just witnessed and, more to the point, what you should do.
Hit and run accidents put more complex in the process more complex since the usual protocol, like exchanging insurance information and reporting the other motorist for a claim, is out the window. But it’s not the end of the world if it happens to you because you’re not as stuck as you think.
Here are ways to recover your losses even when the other driver vanishes.
Your Insurance Probably Covers This
Most people assume that if the other driver isn’t around, they’re out of options. But that’s not true. Your own auto insurance policy likely includes uninsured motorist coverage, which is specifically designed for situations like this: when you can’t identify the driver or they don’t have insurance.
This coverage usually has two parts. Uninsured motorist bodily injury handles your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured badly enough that you’re missing work or dealing with ongoing medical care, this coverage becomes a lifeline.
The property damage side covers vehicle damage. But this depends partly on where you live because some states require it, while others don’t. That’s why you must check your insurance documents to see what you’ve got. Many people also have collision coverage, which pays for car repairs regardless of who caused the accident, though you’ll need to cover your deductible.
If your injuries are serious and the insurance company seems to be dragging its feet or disputing your claim, talking to an Albuquerque hit and run lawyer, or others near you, can clarify what you’re entitled to. Insurance policies are written in dense language for a reason, and sometimes you need someone who speaks that language to make sure you’re getting everything you deserve.
Personal injury protection or medical payments coverage might also apply, depending on your policy. These kick in faster than other coverages because they don’t require determining fault first; they just pay your medical bills.
The Claims Process Gets Tricky
A claim on a hit-and-run requires more documentation than an ordinary claim for an accident. Your insurance company will need the police report, damage photos, medical documents, repair estimates, and the details of any witnesses. They’re basically determining if the accident occurred the way you described it.
That’s why you must document everything right away, including the damage from every possible angle, any debris that was left behind, skid marks, and where everything is located. The more you document, the more difficult it is for anyone to dispute your version of what happened.
Insurance adjusters will not always be in your favor, even if they work for your own insurance company. So, take note that the initial offer they make is often not their final offer.
Before settling for anything, calculate all your true expenses. That is, your doctor’s bills in the emergency room and doctor’s visits later, physical therapy, repair of the vehicle, rental vehicle costs, and lost wages while recuperating. Don’t forget intangible harm such as pain and suffering, particularly if the accident injured your capacity to work or have a good time.
When You Need a Lawyer
Some hit-and-run cases are simple. You may only incur minor damage, no injuries, and the insurance company plays fair. Others get messy fast. If you’re dealing with serious injuries, a denied claim, or an insurance company that’s jerking you around, it might be time to bring in a lawyer.
Accident attorneys know the games insurance adjusters play. They also know how to value claims properly, so you’re not leaving money on the table. Sometimes a lawyer’s investigation even turns up the hit-and-run driver, which opens different possibilities for compensation. Even when the driver stays unfound, an experienced attorney might spot coverage options or legal angles you hadn’t considered.
Don’t Wait Too Long
Insurance policies have reporting deadlines. If you wait too long, you might forfeit your right to file a claim. State laws also impose time limits on lawsuits. These deadlines aren’t suggestions, so no matter how valid your case is, missing the deadline would break the deal.
Hit-and-run drivers create a mess, but you’re not left without recourse. Your insurance policy can protect you more than you might imagine, and there’s legal assistance if it’s necessary. The best way to handle it is to move fast, document everything thoroughly, and don’t settle for less-than-fair compensation just because the other driver sped away. You didn’t put yourself in this position, and you shouldn’t have to bear the cost by yourself.
