- Pull over to a safe area, call emergency services immediately, and document every detail you can remember about the fleeing vehicle.
- File a police report within 24 hours to create an official record of the incident.
- Utilize your uninsured motorist coverage to pay for medical bills and damages, even if the driver is never identified.
You can still recover financial compensation after a hit and run accident by utilizing your uninsured motorist insurance coverage. Shillen, Mackall, Seldon, Spicer, & Fraas understands how overwhelming this situation is, and our legal team is dedicated to guiding you through the process of filing a claim. Many victims falsely assume that a fleeing driver means no recovery options exist. We are here to reassure you that options are available. In fact, national data shows that hit and run accidents occur roughly every 43 seconds in the United States. When a driver flees, your own insurance policy steps into the shoes of the missing driver to provide the necessary financial support.
Immediate Steps at the Scene of a Hit and Run
Your primary actions at the scene should focus on your physical safety, law enforcement notification, and evidence collection. First, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 immediately to report the crash, as an official police report is vital for your future insurance claim. While waiting for officers to arrive, write down everything you remember about the other vehicle, such as the make, model, color, license plate fragments, or distinct damage. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle’s damage, and any skid marks. If there are witnesses, gather their names and phone numbers.
Will My Own Insurance Pay? (Understanding UM Coverage)
Yes, your own insurance provider will pay for your medical bills and property damage if you have Uninsured Motorist coverage. In Vermont and New Hampshire, Uninsured Motorist coverage, often abbreviated as UM coverage, is designed specifically for situations where the at-fault party is unknown or lacks insurance. When an unidentified driver leaves the scene of an accident, local laws allow your insurance company to treat the incident as a claim against an uninsured driver. Filing an uninsured motorist claim should not cause your insurance rates to increase because the accident was not your fault. We will handle the negotiations to maximize your recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
How Our Investigators Help Track Down Fleeing Drivers
Our firm uses dedicated investigators to track down fleeing drivers by analyzing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and checking local repair shops. While the police will conduct their own investigation, law enforcement resources are often stretched thin. We step in to perform an independent, deep dive into the incident. Our team reviews nearby business security cameras and requests highway footage that might have captured the fleeing vehicle. We also canvas the area for additional witnesses and look for discarded vehicle parts that could identify the manufacturer. Finding the driver allows us to hold them personally accountable and pursue a traditional personal injury claim against their auto insurance policy.
Protect Your Rights with a Dedicated Hit and Run Accident Attorney
You should not have to pay for someone else’s cowardly decision to flee. Contact our legal team today to learn how your uninsured motorist coverage can pay for your medical bills and suffering. We will evaluate your case, deal with the insurance adjusters, and fight to secure every dollar you deserve. Visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward your financial recovery.
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