If you have been involved in a hit and run accident that involved no actual impact, you might be finding yourself wondering what to do. If you suffered injuries, you are worried because your medical bills are mounting and you are losing wages because you are unable to work.
If you have been the victim of a hit and run, you should notify the police about what has happened so a report can be filed. The police officer might be able to find witnesses to the accident or there may be surveillance video that shows what happened and identifies the hit and run driver.
When the hit and driver is found, he or she can be charged with leaving the scene of the accident. At that point, you will know the identity of the individual who was at fault for the accident and you can file a personal injury claim against their insurance.
The insurance company of the at fault driver is liable for damages that are suffered from the crash. But if the hit and run driver isn’t found, you aren’t completely out of luck.
If you have full coverage insurance, you would file a claim against your uninsured motorist policy for your damages.
What Causes Hit and Run Crashes
There are several causes for hit and run crashes. The driver could be distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He or she might not even realize they caused an accident.
These crashes without impact might involve a car being run off the road, the car causing the accident might head on its way and cause other cars to crash into each other, or the car at fault might cause you to run into some other object to avoid a collision such as a utility pole, parked car, tree, or other object.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you have been injured in a hit and run accident with no actual impact, you can file a personal injury claim against the auto insurance company for damages. Your damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and compensation for any long-term disabilities or life-altering injuries.
The personal injury claims process can be complicated, so you should consult with a personal injury attorney to improve your odds of winning your claim.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney will investigate an accident and gather all the pertinent information that is needed to support the personal injury claim. He or she will then negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, and if necessary, take the claim to court for a judge and/or jury to determine a fair settlement.
Your attorney will consider your injuries, your lost wages, your pain and suffering, and any long-term disabilities that you might have resulting from the accident. Your odds of a fair settlement are improved greatly when you have a personal injury attorney fighting for you and working to ensure your rights are protected.
