Being involved in any type of car accident is
stressful. But accidents involving hit and run drivers can cause the most
emotional distress. Once you’ve realized what has happened, feelings of
anxiety, anger and helplessness often surface. Here are some things to keep in
mind when filing a hit and run accident insurance claim.
Steps to Take Following a Hit and Run
Accident
Hit and run accidents happen when a
driver in a car accident flees the scene without offering identification.
According to the most recent road safety report by Transport Canada, about
20
percent of serious injury collisions involved a drunk driver.
Other reasons why drivers may flee
the scene of an accident can include:
- the driver is wanted for other crimes;
- driving without insurance;
- driving without a license.
The first thing you should do after
a hit and run accident is gather evidence about what happened. Record as much
information as you can about the incident. This may not be possible in all
situations, but it’s helpful if you can provide a description of the vehicle
that hit you, such as the model, make, colour and even license plate number if
you can when filing the police report and an accident claim with your auto
insurance company.
If you can’t remember the precise
details, at least write down the location and time of the accident and any
other details about the sequence of events. See if anyone might have witnessed
the accident and get their name and contact information. Your insurance company
won’t process the claim unless you are able to prove to their satisfaction that
you were actually hit by another car.
Call the Police
Never attempt to make an insurance
claim after a hit and run accident without calling the police. This will give
the police the opportunity to find the offending driver. Your insurance company
will want to see the police report and verify your claim with the specific
details of the incident.
File an Insurance Claim
If you have enough information that
can be used to eventually identify the guilty party, you can gain that person’s
car insurance information either from the police or your insurer. This process
would assume that the guilty party carried adequate auto insurance protection.
If this is not the case, you will need to bring a claim through a personal
injury lawyer.
Contact a Lawyer
Sokoloff Lawyers are experienced in
hit and run accidents and can help you pursue the insurance coverage you are
legally entitled to receive. In many hit and run accident cases, there may be
compensation available through your own insurance, which provides coverage for
unidentified vehicles following a hit and run car accident.
Assessing a hit and run accident
insurance claim can be complex and there are strict deadlines. If you have been
injured as the result of a vehicle that fled the accident scene, it is
important to speak with a personal injury lawyer right away to preserve your
rights to compensation.