Car accidents are unpredictable events that can happen anytime, anywhere.
It's essential to have liability insurance as mandated by state law to cover damages and provide financial recovery in the event of a traffic accident.
However, what do you do if you're involved in a hit-and-run accident or if the at-fault driver is underinsured?
This situation can leave you with significant medical expenses and repair costs.
The following article offers valuable tips on how to protect yourself and ensure you're fully covered in case you're hit by a negligent driver who is either uninsured or underinsured.
Understanding your insurance coverage and knowing the steps to take after a hit-and-run accident is crucial for safeguarding your financial well-being.
Check out our article about the most dangerous types of car accidents.
- What To Do In A Hit And Run Accident
- How Does Carrying Uninsured Motorist Coverage Help Me?
- Why Health Insurance Won’t Cover Your Accident
- Uninsured Insurance Options in Georgia
- How You Can Protect Your Road Accident Insurance Claim
- Visit The Arrowhead Clinic After A Hit And Run Accident
What To Do In A Hit And Run Accident
If you are in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a hit-and-run accident, it's crucial to take the following steps to protect your rights and ensure a fair recovery of damages.
1. Gather Information
If possible, try to get the license plate number of the hit-and-run driver. Additionally, take note of the vehicle's make, model, and color, as well as the location and time of the accident.
2. Call the Police
Immediately report the incident to the police. When they arrive at the accident scene, provide them with all the details of the accident and the fleeing vehicle. A police report is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
3. Collect Witness Statements
Even though this should be in the accident report prepared by the responding police officer, if there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information. Their accounts can be crucial in supporting your case and tracking down the responsible party.
4. Report to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the incident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the relevant details and the police report number so they can start your accident claim.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don't feel injured, getting a medical examination is important. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical record is vital for insurance and legal purposes.
6. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in auto accidents and hit-and-run cases. They can guide you through the legal process, help you navigate insurance claims, and ensure you receive fair compensation.
7. Visit a Chiropractic Clinic
If you're in Georgia or Tennessee and have sustained injuries from the accident, consider visiting an Arrowhead Chiropractic Clinic. Our qualified physicians specialize in car accidents and personal injuries, offering safe and natural treatment plans to alleviate your pain.
Following these steps can protect your legal interests and increase your chances of a successful recovery after a hit-and-run accident.
How Does Carrying Uninsured Motorist Coverage Help Me?
Protection Against Uninsured Drivers
If you're involved in an automobile accident with an uninsured driver, there's no liability insurance to cover your damages. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage covers medical expenses and motor vehicle repairs, ensuring you're not left with out-of-pocket costs.
Coverage for Underinsured Drivers
Your policy can include Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. If the at-fault driver doesn't have sufficient liability coverage, your UIM coverage can make up the difference, providing additional financial protection.
Coverage as a Pedestrian
If you're hit by an uninsured driver while walking, your UM coverage can provide financial compensation for lost wages and medical costs, safeguarding your financial well-being.
Protection as a Passenger
If you're a passenger in another vehicle involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, your UM insurance ensures that you and your family are covered for any injuries or damages.
Security in Hit-and-Run Incidents
In the event of a hit-and-run accident, your UM coverage acts as a substitute for the fleeing driver's liability insurance, offering you peace of mind and financial security.
By carrying uninsured motorist coverage, you ensure comprehensive protection in various scenarios, minimizing the financial impact of accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Why Health Insurance Won’t Cover Your Accident
Many people assume their health insurance will cover all medical-related costs after an accident, but this is not always true.
Health insurance may help with medical bills, but you'll still be responsible for co-pays and deductibles, which can quickly add up to a substantial amount.
Additionally, health insurance does not cover lost wages and property damages, unlike uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Therefore, filing a claim with your uninsured car accident coverage can provide crucial financial assistance for lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and other expenses not covered by health insurance.
Uninsured Insurance Options in Georgia
Stacking Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage
This option provides the most comprehensive protection.
If you're hit by an at-fault driver with $25,000 coverage, and you have $25,000 in uninsured/underinsured coverage with the stacking option, you can access both amounts, giving you a total of $50,000 for your damages.
This coverage "stacks" on top of the at-fault driver's coverage, offering double protection.
Non-Stacking or "Reduced" Underinsured/Uninsured Insurance Coverage
With this coverage, you cannot stack your insurance on top of the at-fault driver's coverage.
For example, if you and the at-fault driver both have $25,000 coverage, your maximum coverage would still be $25,000.
This option is less expensive but provides less coverage.
No Uninsured Motorists Coverage
Some drivers opt out of uninsured motorist coverage to save money.
However, this can be risky, especially in Georgia, where many accidents are caused by drivers with no insurance or minimal coverage.
Reviewing your policy and ensuring you have adequate coverage to protect yourself from negligent drivers is crucial.
Considering the high number of accidents caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers, choosing a coverage option that provides sufficient protection is wise.
Even though opting for a cheaper premium might seem like a good idea, it could leave you financially vulnerable in the event of a severe accident.
How You Can Protect Your Road Accident Insurance Claim
To protect your road accident insurance claim, especially if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it's important to act promptly and carefully.
Notify your UM carrier within 30-60 days of the accident (the sooner the better!) to avoid voiding your coverage, as your insurance company has the right to investigate the circumstances.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney early on is crucial, especially for serious cases, to ensure you meet all legal requirements and protect your rights.
Read our blog: Will Your Personal Injury Claim Cover Chiropractic Care?
Additionally, your lawyer can help identify other coverages that may be combined for additional protection.
For example, if you're temporarily living with your parents and are under 24, you might be able to claim additional insurance under their policy, potentially stacking it with yours for more comprehensive coverage.
Visit The Arrowhead Clinic After A Hit And Run Accident
If you've been involved in a hit-and-run crash, it's essential to understand your insurance policies.
You should also work with experienced lawyers who can work with insurance adjusters and insurance agents to help you navigate the claims process.
Collecting physical evidence and documenting visible injuries is crucial for holding the driver responsible and potentially pursuing legal action.
Hit-and-run accidents can be an overwhelming experience, but you don't have to face it alone.
The Arrowhead Clinic specializes in treating accident injuries and can provide attorney referrals to help you seek fair compensation and justice.
Don't let the aftermath of a hit-and-run crash disrupt your life.
Visit the Arrowhead Clinic for comprehensive support and guidance.
