If you have been hurt in a hit and run accident, you may still be able to be compensated for your injuries.
Most drivers on the road today are responsible. But there are still those out there who drive recklessly, drink and drive, or even flee the scene of an accident that they caused. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in most states — and can leave an injured driver high and dry when it comes to recovering for their damages.
However, if you have a special type of coverage on your car insurance policy (which most drivers do), you can still receive compensation if you’ve been injured by a hit and run driver. Uninsured motorist coverage will provide you with a specified amount of money for your accident if the driver who caused the crash (and your injuries) cannot be located. A seasoned car accident attorney can help you with this process—evaluating your case, investigating the facts, and filing a claim or even a lawsuit to get coverage.
What To Do After A Hit and Run
If you’re involved in an accident where the other driver leaves the scene, you may not know what you should do to protect your legal rights. In many cases, you may be disoriented, confused, and in pain. But if at all possible, you should take action to preserve your ability to recover for your injuries. Most importantly, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. If you struck your head, be sure to tell your doctor; traumatic brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose, so telling your doctor can help her keep an eye out for symptoms. You should also call the police and tell them that you were involved in a hit and run accident.
Write down or otherwise record everything that you can remember about the accident — including all of the details that you recall about the car that hit you, such as the color, model and the state on the license plate. Try to remember how exactly the accident occurred, and where the other car came from relative to your car. Use your smartphone to take pictures of the scene, and look around to see if any nearby businesses may have a surveillance camera that could prove your version of events.
Do not speak to your insurance company without a skilled car accident attorney present. If you do have to talk to your insurer, stick to the facts and avoid making any comments (like “I’m OK”) that may limit your ability to recover.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works
As part of most car insurance policies, drivers pay for uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you in the event that you are struck by someone who doesn’t have car insurance. A hit and run driver is usually treated in the same way as a driver who doesn’t have car insurance; because the other driver can’t be identified, the insurance company will treat him like someone without insurance. This policy should pay for your medical treatment, rehabilitation, loss of wages, and other damages.
However, remember that insurance companies often try to minimize your claim or avoid paying on claims — which is why it is so important to hire an aggressive car accident attorney. Your insurer may not have your best interests at heart, which can make fully recovering for your damages difficult to impossible without a skilled lawyer by your side.
At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies on uninsured motorist claims. We know how the system works, and we won’t back down. If you have been hurt by a hit and run driver, call our office at 800-333-0000 or email us at info@larryhparker.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and options — and we will never charge a fee unless we recover money for you!
