If you’re caught up in a car accident, you know how stressful it can be dealing with injuries, repairs, and the emotional stress. However, when the other driver speeds off and disappears without providing their information, the situation becomes even more frustrating.
Hit and run accidents can leave victims feeling powerless, unsure of who will pay for the damage or how to move forward. That is where uninsured motorist coverage (UM) steps in and gives you a critical safety net to help you fight to receive your maximum compensation.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a part of your auto insurance policy that protects you when the at-fault driver either does not have insurance or cannot be identified, like in a hit-and-run crash. It is not required in all states, but in certain places, insurance providers are required to offer it, even though you can choose to decline it in writing. If you have not waived this coverage, it could be a financial lifesaver in the aftermath of a hit-and-run incident.
Why You Need UM Coverage After a Hit and Run
Let’s say you’re driving and another car crashes into you and takes off. You are left with a damaged vehicle, rising medical bills, and no contact information for the person who caused it all.
Without the other driver’s insurance details, there is no way to file a traditional claim against them. That is where your uninsured motorist coverage kicks in. It allows you to file a claim with your insurance provider, covering:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket costs tied to the crash
It will not necessarily cover everything; for example, pain and suffering may not be fully compensated, but it is far better than being left to pay all the bills yourself.
How It Works in Practice
Once you report the hit and run to the police and your insurer, they will begin processing your UM claim. Your insurance company will essentially stand in for the missing driver, investigating the accident and determining how much compensation you are entitled to based on your policy limits.
This process requires you to show proof that the accident happened, that it involved another driver, and that the driver cannot be identified. Evidence like a police report, photos of the damage, medical records, and witness statements all help strengthen your claim.
Common Challenges with UM Claims
Even though you are dealing with your own insurance company, that does not always mean the process will be easy. Insurers still try to minimize payouts to protect their profits. They might question your account of the accident, downplay your injuries, and try to argue that your damages are not covered.
That is why it is essential to work with a professional hit-and-run accident attorney to help you gather evidence, negotiate with your insurer, and handle any legal hurdles that pop up, making sure you are not taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving UM coverage, is typically two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your opportunity to recover any compensation. Acting quickly also helps preserve critical evidence, such as surveillance footage or eyewitness memories, that could be crucial to your claim.
Conclusion
A hit-and-run accident can leave you shaken and uncertain, but you do not have to face the aftermath alone or empty-handed. If you have maintained uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, you have a valuable tool that can step in when the other driver disappears.
Do not let the lack of accountability derail your recovery. Understand your rights, explore your insurance options, and work with professionals who can help you fight to receive your maximum compensation.
