A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without exchanging information or taking responsibility for their actions. These types of accidents can be especially frustrating and confusing, as victims are left to deal with the aftermath while the responsible party is often unidentified.
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run car accident, you may be wondering who will pay for your damages, medical expenses, and other costs. Fortunately, there are several options available for victims to recover compensation, depending on the circumstances and the coverage in place.
Your Own Insurance Coverage: Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In many cases, the first line of defense in a hit and run accident is your own insurance policy. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect drivers who are involved in accidents with uninsured or hit and run drivers. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified or has no insurance, your own insurance may cover the costs.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
This coverage is required in some states, but even in places where it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Uninsured motorist coverage typically covers medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages caused by the accident.
Hit and Run Scenarios
If the responsible driver flees the scene, your uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages, provided that the hit and run accident is reported to the police promptly. In some states, this coverage may also extend to cover emotional distress caused by the accident.
The Basics of Collision Coverage
If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage or if your uninsured motorist policy doesn’t fully cover the damages resulting from a hit and run accident, collision coverage can be an important option to consider. While collision coverage is primarily intended to cover damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault, it provides a crucial safety net in the event of a hit and run.
What Collision Coverage Covers
Collision coverage is designed to pay for repairs or the replacement of your vehicle following an accident, whether you are at fault or not. This coverage comes into play after a hit and run accident, where the responsible driver cannot be found. If your vehicle is damaged during a hit and run and the other driver is unidentifiable, collision coverage can help restore your car to its pre-accident condition.
Damage to Your Car
Collision coverage will pay for the cost of repairing your car after an accident, regardless of whether you were the one at fault or if the other driver fled the scene. This includes repairing body damage, dented panels, broken glass, and other physical damage sustained in the accident.
Vehicle Replacement
If your vehicle is damaged beyond repair and is considered a total loss, collision coverage will help cover the cost of replacing it. Depending on your policy, the amount reimbursed will be based on the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle at the time of the accident, taking into account depreciation.
What Collision Coverage Does Not Cover
While collision coverage can help restore your vehicle after a hit and run, there are limitations to what it covers. For example, it typically does not pay for:
- Medical Expenses: Collision coverage is not designed to cover the medical costs associated with injuries sustained in the accident. To cover medical expenses, you would need separate medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, or you may be able to use your health insurance for these expenses.
- Injuries and Pain and Suffering: If you are injured in a hit and run accident, collision coverage will not compensate for pain and suffering, lost wages, or long-term disability. For these damages, you would typically rely on your uninsured motorist coverage or file a claim through your health insurance.
- Damage to Property: Collision coverage does not cover damage to property other than your vehicle. For damage to other vehicles or property, you would need to have the appropriate liability insurance or the responsible party’s insurance (if they can be identified).
Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Costs
One important factor to consider when using collision coverage is the deductible. A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance will cover the remaining costs of repairs or replacement.
How Deductibles Work
For example, if you have a $500 deductible on your collision coverage and your car sustains $3,000 worth of damage in a hit and run accident, you would need to pay the first $500 of the repair costs. Your insurance would then cover the remaining $2,500, up to your policy’s limits.
Choosing Your Deductible
When selecting collision coverage, you typically have the option to choose your deductible amount. A higher deductible usually results in lower monthly premiums, while a lower deductible results in higher premiums. However, it’s important to choose a deductible that you can comfortably afford in the event of an accident.
Out-of-Pocket Responsibility
If your deductible is higher than the damage caused to your vehicle, you will be responsible for paying the entire amount. For example, if your deductible is $1,000 and your car sustains $800 worth of damage, you would have to pay the $800 yourself, and your insurance would not cover any of the repair costs.
Should You Consider Collision Coverage?
If you’re concerned about the financial impact of a hit and run accident and lack uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage can provide essential protection for your vehicle. However, it’s important to carefully consider the terms of your policy, including the deductible, to ensure that collision coverage is a good fit for your needs.
- Peace of Mind: Having collision coverage gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is covered in the event of an accident where the other driver cannot be identified or is uninsured. This can help mitigate the financial burden of repairs or replacing your vehicle after a hit and run.
- Assessing Your Vehicle’s Value: If your car is older or has a lower value, it might be worthwhile to evaluate whether collision coverage is necessary. In such cases, the cost of the insurance premiums and deductible might outweigh the benefit of coverage.
Filing a Police Report and Identifying the At-Fault Driver
In a hit and run accident, it is crucial to contact the police immediately and file a report. A police report is often required for your insurance company to process your claim. Additionally, the police will begin an investigation to identify the driver responsible for the accident.
- Importance of a Police Report: Reporting the accident promptly and accurately to the authorities increases the chances of the driver being located and held accountable. The police will collect evidence from the scene, including witness statements, vehicle debris, and surveillance footage if available.
- Insurance Cooperation: If the driver is found and their identity is confirmed, your insurance company can work with the responsible party’s insurance to recover costs. In some cases, if the driver is located and has insurance, you may be able to recover compensation through their liability coverage.
What Happens If the Hit and Run Driver is Never Found?
If the hit and run driver is not identified, it can be challenging to recover damages through their insurance, especially if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage. However, there are still avenues to explore.
State Compensation Funds
Some states have victim compensation funds set up for individuals who suffer injuries from hit and run accidents. These funds are typically funded by fines paid by uninsured drivers and are designed to help cover medical bills and other expenses for victims of hit and run accidents when the responsible driver is not found.
Exploring Legal Action
If the hit and run driver is never found, you may still have legal recourse to recover damages. A skilled attorney may be able to assist you in filing a claim under your insurance policy, or, in rare cases, pursuing legal action against parties that may be held liable.
How to Protect Yourself from Hit and Run Costs
While you can’t always prevent a hit and run from occurring, there are steps you can take to protect yourself financially:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Always opt for uninsured motorist coverage, as it is often the most effective way to cover damages caused by a hit and run accident.
- Dash Cams and Security Cameras: Installing a dash cam in your vehicle can provide critical evidence in the event of a hit and run, helping to identify the at-fault driver or capture details about the accident. Additionally, check if there are nearby security cameras or surveillance footage from local businesses that may have recorded the incident.
- Report Immediately: Always contact the police immediately after a hit and run accident and provide as much information as possible. The faster the police can act, the better the chances of finding the responsible driver.
Conclusion
A hit and run car accident can be a stressful and challenging situation, but there are ways to ensure that you are compensated for your losses. By having the right insurance coverage, including uninsured motorist coverage, and taking quick action after the accident, you can protect yourself financially. If the driver is never found, your own insurance or state victim compensation funds may help cover medical bills and other damages.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, working with an experienced car accident attorney can provide you with the guidance needed to navigate the process and recover the compensation you deserve.
.png)
