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Ever wonder what to do when someone hits your car and then speeds off?

Millions of drivers go through that sinking feeling of being the victim of a hit-and-run accident every year. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that more than one hit-and-run happens every minute across the United States.

The Problem:

Many victims of hit-and-runs aren’t aware of their legal options when the other driver drives away. Victims are left with injuries and property damage, plus the stress of not knowing who to turn to for compensation.

The good news is that you have more options than you may realize. Even when the driver at-fault is never identified, there are still a number of different ways to hold that person accountable and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and property damage.

You’ll learn:

• Understanding Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident
• Insurance Coverage Options That Can Help
• Legal Steps to Take When the Driver is Found
• Alternative Compensation Sources

Understanding Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Having your car hit by a driver who doesn’t stop is a really frustrating experience.

But here’s something not a lot of people realize…

You still have significant legal rights even if you don’t know who hit you.

• You have the right to file a police report. This is an essential step for any future legal action. Many insurance companies won’t pay uninsured motorist claims without an official police report.
• You have the right to seek immediate medical attention. Certain injuries don’t present symptoms immediately, so it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible to create important documentation for your case.
• Remember: Only 10% of hit-and-run cases are solved, but that doesn’t mean you have no options for compensation.

Insurance Coverage Options That Can Help

Think the only option is to pay out of pocket? Think again.

There are several types of insurance coverage that can help hit-and-run victims, even when the other driver is never found:

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

This is the best friend of hit-and-run victims. Uninsured motorist coverage effectively treats the fleeing driver as if they were uninsured (because they essentially are from your perspective).

Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for things like:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage (in some states)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP coverage helps pay for your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. In so-called no-fault states, this is often your first line of defense for getting immediate medical care covered.

Medical Payments Coverage

Similar to PIP but available in more states, medical payments coverage can help with immediate medical expenses while you figure out the bigger picture.

The key is knowing what coverage you actually have. Many people don’t realize how much protection they have until they speak with an experienced attorney.

Legal Steps to Take When the Driver is Found

Let’s assume the cops find the hit-and-run driver. Now what?

Filing an Insurance Claim

Once the driver is identified, you can file a claim against their liability insurance. This is often the quickest path to compensation.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you’re not satisfied with the insurance payout, you can always file a personal injury lawsuit. This gives you the opportunity to seek compensation for things like:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in some cases)

Criminal Restitution

If the driver is convicted for the hit-and-run, the judge may order them to pay restitution. While restitution doesn’t replace the need for a civil case, it can provide additional compensation.

Alternative Compensation Sources

Want to hear about some lesser-known options for getting help?

Some states have victim compensation programs for people injured in crimes, including hit-and-runs. These programs can help with medical expenses, lost wages, and mental health counseling.

In California, California Victim Compensation Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents.

How Car Accident Legal Services Can Help

Handling a hit-and-run case is no simple task. There are insurance companies, police investigations, and potential legal action involved. It’s a lot to deal with on top of injuries.

That’s where professional car accident legal services come into play. A seasoned car accident lawyer in San Diego, CA can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure you don’t leave any available compensation on the table.

Here’s what a good attorney can do for you:

• Investigate the accident and scene thoroughly
• Deal with insurance companies on your behalf
• Help identify all available sources of compensation
• File lawsuits when necessary
• Negotiate the best possible settlement

The fact is that insurance companies often fight to minimize payouts to hit-and-run victims. They know most people don’t fully understand their rights and will accept less compensation than they deserve.

Taking Action After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Time is of the essence when it comes to hit-and-run accidents. Evidence can disappear, witnesses forget details, and statutes of limitations begin to run.

Here’s what you should do immediately after a hit-and-run:

1. Call the police. Always file a report, even for minor accidents.
2. Seek medical attention. Go get checked out even if you feel fine.
3. Document everything. Take photos, gather witness information, etc.
4. Contact your insurance company. Report the accident promptly.
5. Consult with an attorney. Get advice on your legal options.

Don’t assume you’re stuck with the bills just because the other driver fled the scene. 22% of pedestrian fatalities are caused by hit-and-run drivers, showing just how serious these accidents can be.

Maximizing Your Recovery

Getting fair compensation after a hit-and-run requires strategy. You need to understand your options and pursue all available avenues for recovery.

This could mean filing multiple insurance claims, pursuing criminal restitution, and potentially filing a civil lawsuit if the driver is found. It all depends on your specific situation.

Taking Control of Your Situation

Hit-and-run accidents are traumatic, frustrating events. They leave people feeling helpless and unsure of what to do next.

But you don’t have to go through the aftermath of a hit-and-run alone. Knowing your legal options is the first step toward getting the compensation you need and deserve.

Even if the other driver is never found, there are resources out there to help you recover both physically and financially. The key is knowing your rights and taking action quickly to protect them.

Don’t let a hit-and-run driver’s irresponsible actions derail your life. With the right legal guidance and knowledge of your options, you can get the compensation you deserve and focus on what’s most important: your recovery.