Filing a Claim After a Hit-and-Run Accident: What Are Your Options?

Filing a Claim After a Hit-and-Run Accident: What Are Your Options?

Any car accident is traumatic enough, but being hit by another driver who flees the accident scene is on another level.

Hit-and-run accidents can be challenging cases due to the lack of evidence and difficulty identifying the responsible driver. In normal circumstances, the negligent driver remains at the scene of the crash and even communicates with others involved, authorities, and first responders if they can. 

But in hit-and-run cases, sometimes the police never find the driver who hit you, leaving you with a storm of questions and worries. Who will pay for your medical bills? What about the repairs to your car? And what if the driver who hit you is never found?

If this has happened to you, working with a car accident attorney can provide clarity and offer practical steps to move forward.

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Even if the at-fault driver is not found, you may still have options to cover your expenses. Here are some steps you should take:

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention and Document Your Injuries

After any sort of accident, health should always come first. Even if your injuries felt minor at the accident scene or you felt uninjured, you should still have a medical examination if you haven’t done so already. 

Some injuries, such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), internal bleeding, and whiplash, may not seem like a big deal at first, or you may not feel them at all. However, they can develop symptoms later and worsen with time.

Take photos of visible injuries, save bills from doctors or specialists, and document every expense you incur, from physical therapy appointments to over-the-counter pain medications. Even mileage to and from medical visits could be compensable.

Step 2: File a Police Report Immediately

Your first step after a hit-and-run accident should be to report the incident to the police. A police report creates an official record that is critical for your claim. It documents the timing, location, and circumstances of the accident, as well as any witness statements.

Make sure to provide as much information as you can, even if it feels incomplete. Details like the make, model, or color of the offending vehicle, a partial license plate number, or even something as specific as bumper stickers or distinctive damage can help law enforcement track down the driver.

Failing to involve the police could make it harder to recover your financial losses later on. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s better to err on the side of caution and file a report.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve reported the accident to the police, contact your insurance company. Most insurers have policies requiring you to inform them of an accident promptly. While it may feel daunting to report a claim when the other driver is missing, your policy might include coverage designed for exactly this type of situation.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is one of the most valuable protections you can have after a hit-and-run accident. If the other driver cannot be identified or they lack sufficient insurance, UM/UIM covers many of your losses. Here’s what this coverage can help with:

• Medical expenses for injuries sustained in the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, or physical therapy. For instance, if you require an emergency room visit and follow-up care, UM/UIM may help cover the costs so you're not left managing them entirely on your own.
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Picture being unable to work for several weeks because of a fractured leg; UM/UIM can help cover the income you lose during your recovery.
• Pain and suffering compensation to help address the emotional and physical toll caused by the accident.

Most states don’t mandate UM/UIM coverage, but if you’ve added it to your policy, it acts as a financial safety net in these tough situations. Check with your insurer to confirm if it’s included in your coverage.

Collision Coverage

Another critical option is collision coverage, which specifically addresses damage to your vehicle, regardless of who’s at fault. Even if you don’t know who caused the accident, collision coverage can step in to help get your car repaired or replaced.

For example, say your car’s bumper and hood are severely damaged in a hit-and-run. While the repairs cost $3,000, your collision coverage could pay for most of it, minus your deductible. Deductibles vary by policy but are typically a few hundred dollars.

This coverage is particularly useful if you don’t have UM/UIM or if your hit-and-run incident involves vehicle damage only, with no physical injuries. Reviewing your policy limits and deductible amount is essential, so you know what to expect financially when filing a claim.

Medical Payments (Med Pay)

Medical Payments coverage, or Med Pay, is an optional add-on to car insurance policies that provides fast financial assistance for medical costs after an accident, no matter who was at fault. Here are some practical scenarios where Med Pay can be a major help:

• Emergency services costs after an accident; for instance, ambulance fees and ER visits. If you’re transported to the hospital following the hit-and-run, Med Pay can cover these initial expenses.
• Follow-up medical care, such as diagnostic scans (X-rays or MRIs) or specialist consultations, if further evaluations are needed for your injuries.
• Rehabilitation expenses, including physical therapy sessions to aid in your recovery.

An advantage of Med Pay is its flexibility. It covers not just your medical bills but also those of any passengers injured in your car, which means you’re not leaving anyone out. Additionally, Med Pay typically pays fast, helping to keep out-of-pocket medical costs from piling up.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) provides an extra layer of support by covering medical bills and non-medical costs that may arise due to an accident. It’s mandatory in some states and optional in others, often tied to “no-fault” insurance requirements. PIP coverage can include:

• Lost income reimbursement if your injuries make you miss work. For example, if you’re out of work for two months while recovering and unable to pay your bills, PIP can help replace part of your wages.
• Childcare or household services payments. If you’re unable to care for young kids or complete household chores due to your injuries, PIP can ensure you have the assistance you need.
• Ongoing treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic care. For instance, if you’re left with lingering neck or back pain, PIP may cover treatments to keep you on the road to recovery.
• Death benefits for families who’ve lost a loved one in an accident, helping with funeral arrangements and other necessary expenses.

PIP’s comprehensive features make it a robust option for handling both economic and non-economic losses. If you reside in a no-fault state, this coverage is especially beneficial since it simplifies the claims process.

Insurance issues can be confusing, and it’s not always clear what benefits you are entitled to claim in a hit-and-run situation. Contact a car accident lawyer near you who handles hit-and-run accident cases. They can review not just your overall situation, but also your best options for seeking compensation from your own insurer.

Step 4: Hire a Local Car Accident Lawyer

After a hit-and-run accident, hiring a local car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in how effectively you pursue compensation and resolve your case. Hit-and-run situations are challenging, as the absence of the at-fault driver creates a lot of uncertainty. 

A lawyer’s guidance will make the recovery process easier and ensure your rights are protected. Here’s how they can assist:

Investigating the Accident

A car accident lawyer can take the lead in investigating the details of the hit-and-run incident. They may collaborate with law enforcement to gather additional evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness statements, to help identify the at-fault driver. Even if the driver remains unidentified, an attorney can help you seek the compensation you need from other sources.

Explaining Your Compensation Options

Understanding your options after a hit-and-run isn’t always easy, especially if you’re unsure about what different types of insurance coverage might apply. A qualified lawyer can assess your situation and guide you through the options available within your policy, break down what each type of insurance can cover, and provide advice on the best route to maximize your financial recovery.

Working With Your Insurance Company

Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, particularly after a hit-and-run accident. Insurers may challenge your claim, ask for endless documentation, or provide settlement offers that don’t adequately cover your losses. 

Your lawyer can manage these interactions on your behalf, ensuring you present a compelling claim with solid evidence. They can also negotiate with the insurer to secure a fair settlement and protect your claim from being undervalued or denied.

Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver

If the at-fault driver is eventually found, a car accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim against them. This type of claim could allow you to pursue compensation directly from the responsible party for your medical bills, property damage, lost income, and more. With legal representation, you’ll have a strong advocate to handle this process, from proving fault to negotiating an appropriate settlement or pursuing the case in court if necessary.

Reducing Stress During a Difficult Time

Your attorney can provide peace of mind during one of the most stressful periods of your life. They take on the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery and well-being. Knowing an experienced professional is fighting for your rights allows you to move forward with confidence, regardless of how uncertain the path may seem at first.

By hiring a local car accident lawyer, you gain a knowledgeable partner who ensures no stone is left unturned in your pursuit of compensation. From uncovering evidence to navigating insurance claims and beyond, their guidance can be an invaluable resource after a hit-and-run accident.

Step 5: Preserve Evidence from the Accident Scene

Police reports and insurance statements are important, but any evidence from the scene you may have gathered can underpin your claim.

Examples of good evidence:

• Photos of visible damage to your vehicle and any property involved.
• Photos or videos of skid marks, debris, or other signs of the collision that could help show what happened.
• Witnesses’ contact details and statements about the crash

Of course, if you sustained injuries in the crash, you probably couldn’t do any of these things, and that is okay. A qualified hit-and-run accident lawyer can help track down much of this and other evidence, including surveillance and dashcam video footage, both of which could hold the key to identifying the hit-and-run driver.

Injured in a Los Angeles Hit-and-Run Accident? Legal Fighters Can Help.

Even with the best preparation and intentions, hit-and-run cases can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. An experienced car accident lawyer with Legal Fighters can help lift a lot of that stress and anxiety off of you.

We know no amount of money can undo all the harm that has been done or restore your life to the way it was before the accident, but the right compensation can give you more of the resources you need to recover.  

We can investigate your case, work with authorities to identify the hit-and-run driver, and pursue fair compensation for you, whether or not the driver is found. Call Legal Fighters today at (800) 210-0000 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. Our compassionate and skilled attorneys will stand by your side, helping you pursue the justice, treatment, and compensation you deserve.