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| Hit-and-Run Accidents |
Statistically there are about 800,000 hit-and-run accidents per year. 11 out of 100 car crashes are labeled hit-and-run. Hit-and-run accidents are defined by perpetrators of a crash who did not await the arrival of authorities to file a police report. The probabilities of being involved in this type of accident are pretty high, and we want to do all that we can to ensure that we are insured. We have no way of knowing what the day or night may bring, so staying safe is the best policy.
What to do?
What do you do if someone hit your car and fled the scene? If you are there to witness it’s important to get a glimpse of the culprit’s license plate and write down the number. At times this option is impossible because you were not present, only your car was parked there.
Normally hit-and-run accidents are covered under Uninsured Motorist Insurance or UM. If you don’t have this on your auto insurance policy, it is highly recommended to add it. The possibility of not having this type of car insurance can be quite costly.
Perpetrators of this crime can be prosecuted by the court of law if they are caught and conditions are bad enough. However, there must be at least one witness to identify the driver, the license plate itself is insufficient to prosecute.
If you are fortunate to catch the driver, and you do not have full coverage, but he is insured, you can reap the benefits of his auto insurance company. You must file a police report and provide all the names of witnesses and any other information that may be pertinent.
What if I’m not Covered?
If you do not have full coverage, and he is not insured either, you can try to file a claim with the State’s District Attorney’s office, and they may file a restitution order against the driver, if it can be proven. You can also file a claim against this perpetrator in Small Claims Court.
If you do not know who the driver is, and you do not have full coverage or UM, you will have to pay all the expenses of damages to your car. If you do have full coverage and don’t know who the driver is still you can file a hit-and-run accident claim, but you will pay for the deductible out of pocket.
Here are the requirements you will need if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. Call your car insurance agent today and check if you’re covered, and if not, ask for an insurance quote to get covered.
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