When the other driver drives off after the accident, you’ll be forced to deal with the consequences of the accident on your own. Law enforcement officials are not always able to track down these culprits and bring them to justice. So, your best option moving forward would be to find alternatives that can help you recover.
The purpose of this article is to give you tips about how to go about recovering damages after a hit-and-run accident.
What are the Options Available for a Hit and Run Accident Victim Seeking Compensation?
If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run, you do not have to lose hope. Here are some of your options:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
UM or UIM coverage can be a lifesaver in hit-and-run situations. It’s usually built into your insurance and kicks in when the driver who caused the accident either has no insurance at all or when their insurance isn’t enough to cover all your losses.
For example, if you were involved in a serious injury and medical bills were piling up on your name, but the hit-and-run driver only has basic insurance, which isn’t sufficient to cover it. UM/UIM would step in and cover the difference, ensuring you get the financial help you need.
Collision Coverage
This is a more common type of car insurance coverage that pays for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of who caused the accident. Even though the hit-and-run driver is nowhere to be found, your collision coverage can still help get your car back on the road.
The downside is that this coverage typically comes with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
This is not a very common option, and it is not even available in every state. It typically acts as a safety net for medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
So, if you were injured in the hit-and-run and missed work as a result, the PIP can help cover your medical bills and lost income. This will help to ease some of the financial burden during your recovery.
Hit-and-Run Funds
As a lesser-known option, some states have established special funds to compensate victims of hit-and-run accidents. These funds are typically supported by a portion of the insurance premiums paid by drivers in the state.
The eligibility criteria and payout amounts can vary, so you have to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if this option is available to you.
What Kind of Damages Can a Hit-and-Run Victim Seek?
A hit-and-run accident should not leave you in financial hardship on top of everything else. You can seek compensation for:
- Medical Bills: Your medical bills start piling up right from the ambulance ride and emergency room visits down to doctor appointments, physical therapy, and any other medical care that you may need. It also includes future medical costs related to the accident
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working your regular hours or force you to miss work entirely, you can recover the income you lost
- Car Repairs: The cost of fixing your car or replacing it entirely if the damage is too severe
- Pain and Suffering: This goes beyond physical pain and includes emotional distress, anxiety, and even scarring you might have from the accident
Why You Need a Lawyer as a Victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident Case
You need a lawyer who can ensure you get a fair outcome, even when the person responsible vanished from the scene.
Lawyers can also help you explore other avenues for compensation, such as those hit-and-run funds some states offer.
Seeking compensation is more than just the paperwork. The emotional weight of the process can take a toll on your mental health and hinder your physical recovery too.
You need a lawyer for so many different reasons, and all of them are beneficial to your case. Make an effort to contact a competent lawyer so that they can take charge of the process on your behalf.
