Car Accident Lawyer
Filing an insurance claim for a hit-and-run collision is different from a standard auto accident because you’re only dealing with one insurance company: your own. Hit-and-runs are typically handled by your uninsured motorist coverage, which helps protect you against drivers who are uninsured or unidentified. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, follow these steps as promptly as possible to ensure you have a valid case, explains a car accident lawyer from a local law firm like Tuttle Law, P.A.
1. Call the Police
Obtaining a police report is essential to making a valid claim to your insurance company. Getting the police to the scene of the incident ensures that there is a record of the accident. To help the police locate the person who fled the scene, provide as many details as you can about the perpetrator’s identity, such as a description of the person or their car.
2. Gather Any Witnesses
Independent witnesses can be vital assets in a hit-and-run case. As the victim of a hit-and-run, it’s likely that you won’t be able to ascertain all the details, but a witness may have crucial information such as the type of car, the license plate, or a clear description of the perpetrator. Sometimes, witnesses may have even recorded the incident, providing irrefutable evidence. At the scene, gather witnesses and their contact information and ask them to make a statement to the police. Otherwise, a case without witnesses makes insurance companies skeptical of its validity.
3. Assess the Damages
Documenting proof of damages is essential. First, take pictures of your car after the accident so that you have evidence of what may or may not be listed in the police report. Insurance companies may deny your case if your car has minimal damage. If you were physically injured, seek medical care as immediately as possible to establish a record of any physical damages. Sometimes, injuries don’t make themselves immediately apparent, so seeking the advice of a knowledgeable doctor early on will help protect you from insurance companies claiming your injuries are not related to the hit-and-run.
4. Seek Legal Counsel
Even if the perpetrator can’t be located, you still have a right to seek justice and get compensation for any damages you incurred as a result of a hit-and-run. Insurance companies will always try to either deny your case or give you the lowest settlement possible, so having a lawyer who is experienced in dealing with insurance companies and who has your best interests at heart will be your best shot at securing compensation. Seek out a local car accident lawyer today to help build your case.
