After a car accident, Michigan drivers are required to stop, exchange information, report the accident to the police, and, if necessary, call for medical assistance. But what happens if the other driver flees the scene? Do you know what to do after a hit and run accident?
In a hit and run accident, one driver leaves the scene without providing identification or insurance information to the other involved parties.
People flee the scene of an accident for various reasons. Maybe they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are driving without insurance, or have an outstanding warrant for their arrest. Or perhaps the other driver is young and inexperienced and left the scene because they were afraid or didn’t know better.
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident isn’t just aggravating; it’s also illegal.
A car accident is a stressful and traumatic event. If the other driver left the scene, you may be confused and may not know what to do after a hit and run accident.
First, understand that you should treat a hit and run accident largely the same as any other car crash.
In a typical car accident, your lawyer would make a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you cannot identify the other driver, you can make a claim through your insurance carrier under your uninsured motorist coverage.
Most automobile insurance policies treat hit and run accidents like a collision with an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional insurance that provides coverage if you are injured in an accident with a driver who did not have insurance.
To obtain benefits under your uninsured motorist coverage, you must follow the requirements of the insurance policy. An experienced attorney can review your insurance policy and ensure that you satisfy all the requirements to obtain your benefits.
Most insurance policies have specific requirements for dealing with a hit and run accident. They may require that you notify the police within 24 hours, notify your insurance insurance company within 30 days, or both.
Before making a claim, beware that insurance companies will act quickly to limit your financial recovery. They almost always ask for a recorded statement. Before you speak with an insurance company representative, speak to an experienced hit and run accident attorney first. A lawyer can advise you on your rights and ensure you don’t say something that could jeopardize your claim.
As the victim of a car accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage. However, obtaining compensation after a hit and run accident poses some unique challenges that an experienced car accident injury lawyer can help you overcome.
Michigan Injury Attorneys can analyze your situation and work to identify the other driver. If, despite our best efforts, we cannot identify the driver of the other vehicle, we will file a claim for uninsured motorist benefits and work to maximize your financial compensation. We will analyze the nature and extent of your injuries, prepare a settlement demand package that documents the full extent of your damages, and fight to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Michigan Injury Attorneys has years of experience representing people who were hurt in car crashes, including hit and run accidents. We understand the requirements to obtain compensation under your uninsured motorist coverage, and we know how to present your claim to maximize your financial recovery.
Michigan Injury Attorneys is devoted to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. We have years of experience negotiating settlements for personal injury claims and extensive trial experience that informs our approach to settlement negotiations. To put our expertise to work for you, contact Michigan Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help.
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