Hit and run accidents are all too common in the San Fernando Valley, and Canoga Park is no exception. Sadly, many victims of hit and run accidents do not report their injuries or property damage to their insurance company, as they are not aware that they can recover financial compensation.
Insurance and hit and runs
Auto insurance is required for drivers in California. Indeed, the state has set minimum auto liability insurance requirements that must be met by drivers in order to comply with the law. Drivers must carry at least, $15K personal injury/death to one person.
While for many drivers, the main reason to purchase automobile insurance is to provide coverage in case they cause an auto accident, sometimes having auto insurance can come in handy when you are involved in a hit and run. Since you don’t know the identity of the other driver in a hit-and-run accident — let alone their auto insurance information — your own car insurance coverage may be your only source for getting compensation for any resulting injuries and vehicle damage. 
Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage here.
If the hit and run driver can be found, then the injury victim can attempt to make a claim against the hit and run driver’s insurance company, or make a claim directly against the hit and run driver if there is no insurance available. However, if the hit and run driver or vehicle cannot be found (as is often the case in these types of auto accidents), or the driver/vehicle was uninsured, then the injury victim needs to seek compensation for his uninsured motorist coverage, assuming uninsured motorist coverage was purchased by the injury victim before the accident occurred.
No uninsured motorist insurance
If you are injured in a hit and run accident and the driver cannot be found and you do not have uninsured motorist coverage to pay for your injuries, what are your options? When all else fails, you can make a claim against your own policy under your collision coverage after a hit-and-run accident. Collision coverage generally covers the damages to your vehicle, and unfortunately may cause your premiums to increase. You may want to speak to an experienced accident attorney about your options.
For more information about next steps after being involved in a hit and run accident in Canoga Park, contact experienced personal injury attorney Barry P. Goldberg today for a free consultation. Se habla espanol.
