What to Do After a Hit and Run?
A hit and run accident can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. It can leave you feeling angry, confused, and overwhelmed, as you try to deal with the consequences of someone else’s reckless behavior. In the event of a hit and run, it’s important to take certain steps to protect yourself and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here’s what to do after a hit and run accident:
Stay at the Scene and Call for Help
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, it’s crucial that you stay at the scene of the accident, call for medical assistance if necessary, and wait for the police to arrive. If you’re not injured, try to get as much information as possible about the other vehicle, such as the license plate number, make and model, and color.
Gather Information
If you’re able to, collect as much information as possible about the accident scene, including photos of any damage, the location of the accident, and any witnesses who may have seen the other driver flee the scene. Write down any details that you can recall about the other vehicle and the driver.
Notify the Police
Once you’ve gathered all the information you can, it’s important to contact the police and file a report. Give them all the details you have about the accident, and provide any photos or witness statements that may be helpful.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After you’ve spoken with the police, it’s time to contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with all the information you’ve gathered, including the police report and any witness statements. They will guide you through the next steps of filing a claim.
Will Your Insurance Cover a Hit and Run?
Whether an insurance company will cover damages from a hit and run accident depends on the type of insurance coverage you have.
If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will typically cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault. This includes hit and run accidents. However, you may be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this type of coverage may also apply to hit and run accidents. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you in the event that you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or who flees the scene of the accident. It can cover your vehicle damage, medical bills, and other losses.
However, if you only have liability coverage, which is the minimum required coverage in many states, this will not cover the damages to your vehicle or any injuries you sustained in a hit and run accident. Liability coverage only covers damages you cause to others in an accident for which you are at fault.
In any case, it’s important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible and provide all the information and documentation you have, such as the police report and witness statements. Your insurance company will then determine whether your policy covers the damages and how much they will cover.
File a Claim
Your insurance company will help you file a claim for damages to your vehicle and any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. Be sure to provide them with any additional information they may need, such as medical bills or estimates for repairs.
Processing Time
The amount of time it takes for an insurance claim to be processed after a hit and run accident can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the claim and the extent of the damages.
In general, it can take a few days to a few weeks for your insurance company to process your claim and make a decision. The process can be longer if there are disputes or disagreements between the insurance company and the claimant, or if there are issues with obtaining necessary information or documentation.
If you have provided all the necessary information and documentation, and the damages are straightforward, the claim may be processed more quickly. However, if there are injuries involved or the damages are significant, it may take longer for the claim to be resolved.
Follow Up on Your Claim
Keep in touch with your insurance company and follow up regularly to make sure your claim is being processed. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
Seek Legal Advice
If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident, you may want to consider seeking legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and any other losses.
Contact Robinson and Stith Insurance
In conclusion, being involved in a hit and run accident can be a difficult and confusing experience. However, by following these steps, you can protect yourself and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Remember to stay calm, gather as much information as possible, and contact the police and your insurance company right away. With the right support and guidance, you can get back on the road to recovery. If you have any questions regarding how to address your insurance following a hit and run situation, contact Robinson and Stith Insurance in North Carolina. Our expert team will help you through what to do in order to file your claim and next steps.