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For many drivers, getting in an accident is their worst fear. Not only can the injuries from an auto collision be devastating, but the mental headache that accompanies the insurance process and repairs often lasts months after the wreck. What is already an incredibly worrisome situation can further become more complex when the person who hit you does not stay to see if you are injured or to exchange their insurance information.

Hit and runs can be incredibly stressful and confusing to navigate on your own, but our skilled auto accident attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams are available to help you through the process. When you are unsure who pays for a hit and run collision, contact our firm to investigate the facts surrounding the wreck.

What Is a Hit and Run?

A hit and run occurs when a driver who is involved in a car accident intentionally flees the scene without providing their insurance information or ensuring that the other person in the accident was uninjured. In most states, drivers are legally required to stay at the scene of the accident for the purpose of documentation and to exchange information.

This means if the other driver leaves without coming to speak with you, they are not necessarily getting away without any consequences. If caught, they could face legal consequences, which is why it is crucial to speak with a diligent lawyer who understands the proper steps to take after a hit and run.

What Steps Should I Take?

Aside from ensuring that you and anyone else involved in the accident are safe, the first thing you should do is record as much information as you can. Whether that be you recording a video, taking pictures on your phone, or writing down crucial details, it is imperative that you document the scene as it will be useful later.

Next, call the police and provide them with the information you have so they can look for the other person. A driver who is engaging in a hit and run could be doing so for a variety of reasons: they could already have a warrant out for their arrest, be driving under the influence, have a lapsed insurance policy, or even be driving without a license. For this reason, it is best to contact the police as soon as possible.

How Does Payment Work?

Paying for a hit and run can be the most difficult part of this process. Typically, the party responsible for the crash would bear the burden of paying for your car repairs. In the case of a hit and run where you do not have that other party’s insurance information, the cost falls to you. While this is incredibly frustrating, there are multiple routes you can take to mitigate that cost.

To begin, you could investigate pursuing an Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) claim with your insurance carrier. If you truly do not have information about the other driver and are unable to locate their insurance policy, you can file a UMPD claim, which, depending on the insurance company and state, often carries a lower deductible and has less of an effect on your policy than a regular collision claim. If you live in a state that does not have UMPD coverage and you are not able to locate the offending driver with the help of the police, the cost of repairs falls on you under your personal insurance coverage.

Contact a Skilled Attorney For Help Understanding Who Is Liable for Payment in a Hit and Run

For help navigating the complexities of a hit and run accident, it is wise to consider hiring an experienced attorney from Lowenthal & Abrams. Our legal team is well-versed in handling the nuances surrounding insurance claims. A skilled lawyer can help ensure you are not paying more than you should.

Contact our law firm for help with the details surrounding who pays for a hit and run. We would be happy to set up an initial consultation at your convenience.