After a wreck, most drivers expect the other person to stop and at least exchange information. If that does not happen, you may be able to file a hit-and-run insurance claim. You should still call the police department and follow all of the same steps you would if they were there, such as gathering photos and witness statements. But…then what?
At Hotz & Associates, P.C., we are here to help you with hit-and-run insurance claims, which often are a claim you will make with your own insurance provider. However, we recommend contacting a Knoxville car accident lawyer long before you turn to the insurance adjuster to protect your rights to compensation.
Claiming a hit-and-run for insurance
It is illegal for anyone who causes an accident (or is involved in one) to flee the scene. However, many people do so, especially if they worry about the implications or are inexperienced. In most situations, your personal insurance policy will cover the losses if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in place.
Most people have this coverage as it is often a requirement under the law. (Please note: Certain parties may be exempt from this financial responsibility.)
What happens now, though?
If you have a simple claim and no injuries, it is possible to call your insurance company, provide them with the details of what occurred, and then follow their recommendations for having repairs done. This may be an option if you have a minor injury, like a scratch or a small dent in your car. As long as the insurance company agrees to pay for the repairs, you are likely to have to pay just the deductible.
Keep in mind that in some minor car accidents, your deductible may be higher than the work that needs to be done. In that situation, your insurance does not cover the costs to you.
When the accident is significant
If you are in a hit-and-run accident that left you with serious injuries, a totaled car, and pain and suffering, it is critical to hire an attorney to help you. Claiming a hit-and-run for insurance purposes may seem straightforward, but insurance companies are notorious for limiting the compensation they pay out on any type of claim. Here are a few things you should do.
- Alert the police, file a report with them, and get the medical care you need.
- Contact our car accident attorney to set up a free consultation to get advice on how to file a claim.
- Let us work to develop the claim for you, carefully considering all of your losses both in the short- and long term.
- Trust our team to handle the hit-and-run claim with insurance adjusters, eliminating the risk that they will try to limit your coverage.
- Allow our team to pursue the compensation owed to you.
If your insurance carrier requires you to file a claim immediately, contact us immediately or report the incident, but do not officially file your hit-and-run insurance claim until you speak to an attorney. They cannot force you to close your case too quickly, especially if you are dealing with numerous health complications.
What about the liable party?
It is typically up to the police to pursue the responsible party. In a significant accident, chances are good that they will gather evidence from the scene and investigate what occurred. If that person is found, it may be possible to seek additional financial compensation from them, and your insurance company is likely to go after that party for anything they pay you as well.
When working with your attorney, you can get more insight into your legal options for pursuing financial help in these situations from the responsible party. In some situations, it is possible to determine who caused the accident, and they are likely to face criminal charges for fleeing the scene. However, there is also your right to compensation to consider.
Let our car accident attorneys guide you through this process
When it comes to your insurance claim hit and run accidents, certainly do complicate matters. Yet, you still have rights to compensation that is fair and meets your needs, at least up to your policy’s coverage limits. Let Hotz & Associates, P.C. take a closer look at your case. We will then work with you to determine what your legal options are.
Claiming a hit-and-run car accident is not always easy, and the insurance company is not likely to be on your side. However, our legal team is available to support and guide you through this process.
Our Knoxville car accident lawyer is available to you today. Contact us at (865) 582-0042 now to request a free consultation. Do not wait to give us a call.