Will My Insurance Cover a Hit and Run Accident?
In a typical car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance would pay for damages related to the accident. However, what if there is no second-party driver to be found? For example, suppose you encounter a hit-and-run and experience injury or damage to your vehicle. In that case, you may be able to file a claim through your insurance. Remember, insurance companies will do everything they can pay you the least amount possible, so it never hurts to reach out to our car accident lawyers for help with your claim.
Will My Insurance Cover My Hit and Run Accident?
The answer depends on your insurance and level of coverage. In the case of an accident where you cannot track down the other driver, you should still file a claim with your insurance provider.
Collision Coverage
Your collision coverage pays for damages from a car accident, regardless of whether or not you are at fault. In most cases, there is a deductible that the at-fault party’s insurance would pay for. You will likely have to pay the deductible for hit-and-run insurance claims, ranging from $500 to $2,000.
Medical Payments Coverage
You also have options for recovering medical expenses by filing a hit-and-run insurance claim. Medical payments coverage pays for medical bills resulting from injuries sustained in a car accident. This covers bills up to a certain amount and may also cover your passengers’ expenses. Also known as MedPay, medical payment coverage is only available in some states. Typically, MedPay doesn’t require a deductible.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage can often cover medical bills or vehicle repairs expenses if a driver has hit you without insurance. This may or may not include hit-and-run accidents, so it’s crucial to study your policy carefully. In addition, uninsured motorist coverage for vehicle damages isn’t available in every state. Once again, this depends on your policy’s fine print.
No-Fault Coverage
This may also be referenced as personal injury protection. No-fault insurance covers medical bills for the driver and passengers, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses like childcare. In some states, no-fault insurance may be mandatory, or it may not be available at all.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
First, write down basic details of the other car and its driver as you remember them, such as make and model, color, and license plate, if possible. Then, gather contact details from any nearby witnesses. Once you have these details, report the event to the police and your insurance provider. If you sustain injuries from the accident, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries are relatively minor. As you’re waiting at the site for the responding officer, it would be an excellent time to gather evidence.
Do Hit and Run Accidents Affect My Insurance Premium?
One hit-and-run insurance claim is unlikely to affect what you pay for your coverage. However, it may be a contributing factor if you file multiple claims yearly, which can result in a price increase. In addition, if the other driver is caught and identified, you may be able to sue for compensatory damages, which can help you recover from the financial hit of a hit-and-run insurance claim.
When to Hire a Lawyer
Hit and run laws vary by state, and sustaining an injury can complicate the claims process. A personal injury attorney may help secure the compensation you deserve.
