Unfortunately, news of a hit and run is on the radar from time to time. A pedestrian or car driver is hit by a vehicle and the driver responsible for the accident accelerates without acknowledging his actions by checking on the victims and providing their contact information to the police.
What defines a hit and run accident?
A hit and run incident occurs when a driver collides with a person or a car and intentionally continues to drive to avoid prosecution or liability for the resulting death, injury and/or damage.
If you become the victim of a hit and run event, never chase the getaway car. You may find yourself in a road rage incident or similar. Leave the chase to the cops who are trained in this sort of thing. What you should do immediately after the accident is to alert law enforcement.
For your sake, collect as much information as you can about the event. This will help the police catch the driver who hit you. It will also increase the chances that your submitted insurance claim will be processed in your favor.
Here’s what insurance underwriters tell hit-and-run accident victims to do.
As said, the more information you gather about the case, the more chance it will end up to your benefit.
Report the facts to the authorities by providing the following:
• The make and model of the other car or vehicle
• The registration number of the other car
• How to contact people who witnessed the accident
• The time and place when and where the accident occurred
• Images taken of your car immediately after the collision. (The leftover paint from the other car on your vehicle will help authorities locate the other driver and set charges as it will help the insurance company determine a good outcome for your claim)
• Medical report on injuries you or your passengers sustained as a result of the accident
If the driver who crashed into you is caught and drove away without accepting liability, you can file an auto claim directly with your insurance company. But, in the event that the other driver has insufficient insurance coverage or no coverage at all, you may want to enlist the services of an attorney.
Another avenue to follow is your own insurance coverage. If the hit-and-run driver does not have adequate insurance to cover his losses, he can file a claim with his insurance company. States differ in policy when it comes to the claims process, so you’ll need to do your research. Generally speaking, if you have uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage, you’ll be covered for medical bills, and if you have uninsured motorist property damage insurance, you’ll be covered for related repair work.
Although there are several US states that do not cover you with these forms of insurance, they should cover you if you have personal injury protection coverage, as well as medical payments and collision coverage.
Of course, it’s best to talk to a knowledgeable independent insurance agent who has experience dealing with these types of claims, so be sure to connect with a trusted source!