Phantom drivers are just as the name implies. It is a driver who plays a role in a crash, but who is not identified. A phantom vehicle might bump your car or might not even come into contact with your vehicle but cause you to veer off the road or strike something else. Usually, a phantom driver is never identified because it happens so quickly few details are gotten about the other vehicle, such as make, color, or model, or a description of the driver let alone the tag details. Filing a claim after a phantom driver accident is challenging.
How to Pursue A Claim
Filing a claim after a phantom driver accident can be a challenge. Often, the insurance company will deny your uninsured motorist claim and put the blame on you because you lack the proof that the other driver was at fault or caused the crash.
You need a corroborating witness, but often, that witness can just back up your claim and provide no additional details to identify the driver. Usually, any witness is following behind you, so their vision is blocked, and they don’t have a clear view of the other vehicle and what is transpiring.
Damages That Might Result
A phantom driver accident that leads to you being run off the road could have serious consequences. You could suffer a variety of damages. Common damages include medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earnings, mental trauma, pain and suffering, permanent scarring, long-term disabilities, property damages and much more.
Most likely, the other driver left the scene because he or she didn’t have a license and/or did not have insurance. In this situation, your uninsured motorist coverage should take care of your claim, but as previously mentioned, that might be hard to argue with your auto insurance company. You will need a personal injury attorney fighting for you in this case.
Documentation to Support Your Claim
You will need documentation to support your personal injury claim after having been run off the road by a phantom driver. You will need to get an accident report completed by police. Stay on the accident scene until law enforcement arrives.
Try to remember details about the other vehicle and its direction of travel. Get a copy of the accident report. Keep copies of medical bills and medical records, proof of missed work and lost wages, a repair estimate for your vehicle, photos of any visible injuries and damages, and so forth. Documentation is the key to a successful claim.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident with a phantom driver, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page, so your details can be sent to an accident injury lawyer. The lawyer will review your claim and help you determine the best way to proceed. Without an attorney, you might not get the compensation that you deserve.
