What to Do in a Hit and Run Car Accident?

What to Do in a Hit and Run Car Accident?

Hit and run accidents are very common. Around 70% of US drivers are insured while the rest 30% are uninsured. This is the reason for a lot of hit and run accidents everyday. Such a situation becomes very alarming and can catch you off guard.

In such a situation it is important that you obtain as much information about the other automobile as is possible. Though, this is sometimes unfeasible. For instance, while being parked in the parking lot, your car can be hit and you will have no idea about who hit your car. Here are some easy, yet important measures to guarantee full insurance cover and getting your automobile repaired.

In hit and run accidents information about the suspect is really important. Information such as the make and model of the car are really helpful for the government departments to hunt down whoever hit you. The impact point on your car can give a lot of information about the damage caused.

The next important thing is to inform the police. This is necessary if the person who hit your car is caught. Calling the police is also required if you have to obtain insurance policy cover.

After you have called the police you should also make it a point to file a concrete report. This can be done in two ways. Either you can visit the police station to file the report or the police can come to the place of accident to obtain the vital information from you. However, in parking lot hit and run accidents, you will have to visit the nearest police station to file the report.

After the police comes your insurance company. You should provide as much information as you have about the accident. Know about your insurance coverage. Collision and/ or uninsured property damage will cover you for the damages of your car. Both the covers have their own specific requisites and deductibles. You can ask your insurance company if these covers apply in your case. You should make it a point to contact your attorney before you make any decision about your claim.

Now that you have filed for property damages with your insurance company, you will have to wait. Most policies have a waiting period of 24 hours. During this time the insurance providers are waiting to see if the guilty party is caught or turns up on its own. If so happens, you will have to file a claim against the offender with his insurance company. This usually happens if you have filed for damage cover under the heading of uninsured property damage. Alongside this, if you have bought rental coverage in your insurance policy, you will not have to wait.

Calculate the approximate repair charges for your car. You can do this by driving in to the insurance-certified repair shops in the area. This will give you an estimate of the payment that your insurance company is going to issue for the damages of your car. You can ask an adjuster to see your car and evaluate the estimated damages if you do not want to go to the repair shops. But, this process may require around 5 days.

You can take your car for repair to the shop you previously went to for an estimate. The insurance company will directly make the payment to the repair shop. You will only have to pay the deductible on collection of your car. If you have the adjuster evaluating your car, then you should show your mechanic the estimate of the insurance company for adjustment. If he does not agree to the value, ask him/her to directly contact the adjuster so that they reach a settlement.

By Danny Carlson

Things You Need to Do After a Car Crash

So you've been in a car crash. It came out of nowhere and now your mind is racing and you aren't sure what to do. These things happen, and no one expects them, but stay calm and take things one step at a time. Everything will be all right if you follow a few simple steps.

1. Never leave the scene of a car crash. The stress and shock of getting into a car crash may feel like more than you can handle, but it isn't. Keep calm and focused and never leave the scene of the car crash. If the fear and worry overwhelms you, and you flee the scene, you have committed a crime far worse than simply causing a car crash (which might not have even been your fault!) Being convicted of a hit-and-run can land you in prison, and is far, far worse than the discomfort of being accused of causing a car accident.

2. You'll need to exchange information with the people involved. Get their insurance information, their driver's license numbers, telephone, and addresses. Get a list of witnesses, anyone who saw the car crash at all.

3. If you've been injured, be sure to seek medical attention. Even if you don't think you've been injured immediately after the car crash, symptoms may manifest themselves hours or even days later. It's best to see a doctor right away so that you can be checked out. Some internal injuries may give no symptoms, but could be fatal in a few hours or days. Seek medical attention.

4. Make a police report. A car crash is a serious matter that can affect your insurance, your finances, and your health. It's a good idea to make the car crash a matter of official record with a police report. Call the police to come to the scene of the car crash. If in your area the police only respond to accidents that require an ambulance, go to the local police station and file a report. Be sure to record the number of the police report.

5. Take photos of the scene of the car crash. Some people even carry a disposable camera in their glove compartment for this reason. Take photos of the vehicles involved and of any damage that has been done. Take photos of any injuries as well, like cuts and bruises. Finally, preserve the state of the vehicle so that it can be inspected by insurance agents before it's repaired. If a photo is all you have, it is better than nothing, but the actual damage is best.

6. Contact your insurance after you've been in a car accident. Some damages and medical bills may be covered under your own policy. It's a good idea to find out earlier rather than later.

7. It's important that you not say anything at the scene. Don't make any statements - don't talk about how the car crash happened, and especially don't take blame for the car crash, even if you think it might have been your fault. The less you say, the easier it will make things later. And never speak to the other person's insurance company. These statements will only be used against you.

8. Don't wait! Waiting too long to file a claim or begin legal action might keep you from receiving the compensation that you deserve. Statutes of Limitation in your state may limit the amount of money that you can recover, or eliminate it completely. Consult someone who knows and can help.

9. This can be a profoundly difficult time for you and your family. A car accident isn't just physically traumatic, but it can be a real financial and legal burden as well. Seek out additional help from a trusted source.

By Rick Crosby