Hit-and-Run Accidents-What Compensation Options Exist When the At-Fault Driver Is Never Found?
Hit-and-run accidents often result in significant injuries and property damage, and these accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what to do next. The good news is that you can often still recover compensation even if you can't find the at-fault driver.
In many cases, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage through your own uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, health insurance, or other available policies.
At Abrahamson Law Office, in Omaha, Nebraska, our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling hit-and-run accident cases, and we can guide you through filing a claim and exploring your options for seeking damages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Why Are Hit-and-Run Accidents Often Complicated?
Hit-and-run accidents create unique legal and insurance challenges. In a standard car accident claim, you and your attorney will typically need to identify the at-fault driver, prove fault, and pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance policy. The process is different when the driver flees and cannot be found. That said, not identifying a driver does not automatically mean you cannot pursue compensation. In many cases, you may be able to file a claim with your own auto insurance policy if you can't locate the hit-and-run driver.
However, because insurance companies closely scrutinize hit-and-run claims, your recovery options will depend on your policy language, the accident circumstances, and whether the accident occurred in Nebraska or Iowa.
Pursuing Compensation Through Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In many situations, insurers treat hit-and-run drivers the same as uninsured drivers because the liable party cannot be found to pay the claim. This means you may be able to seek compensation under your own uninsured motorist (UM) policy to help compensate you for losses such as:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability or impairment
Other damages caused by the crash
However, UM claims aren't always straightforward. Insurance carriers may question whether a hit-and-run occurred, whether another vehicle hit yours, or whether the accident caused your injuries. Some UM policies have strict notice requirements, and failing to report the crash within the designated time frame can create unnecessary disputes. Therefore, review your insurance policy carefully and gather strong evidence to support your claim.
Other Insurance Coverage That May Help
Beyond uninsured motorist coverage, you may have several other avenues to pursue compensation after a hit-and-run accident. Speak with an experienced Nebraska car accident attorney to discuss which options best fit your situation.
Medical payments coverage: Often called MedPay, medical payments coverage may help you pay for immediate medical treatment regardless of who caused the crash. This can be especially helpful while a larger injury claim is still being investigated.
Collision coverage: If your vehicle was damaged in the crash, collision coverage may pay for repairs or the total loss value of the car, subject to the deductible.
Health insurance: Your health insurance policy may help cover hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and other treatment related to your injuries. While health insurance does not compensate for pain and suffering or lost wages, it can reduce the financial pressure of medical expenses.
Umbrella or additional policies: In some cases, additional policies may apply, depending on your household, vehicle, or status at the time of the crash. An experienced attorney can help identify coverage options you may otherwise overlook.
Steps You Should Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The steps you take immediately after a hit-and-run accident can affect your ability to file a claim. While the specific steps you will need to complete may vary depending on the severity of the accident, the general steps you should take include the following:
Call 911: Call emergency services and report the crash to local law enforcement.
Seek medical attention: Even if you believe your injuries are minor, get evaluated by a doctor. Some injuries may not exhibit symptoms right away and could lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Gather evidence: Collect detailed information about the accident, including police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. Additionally, write down everything you remember about the fleeing vehicle, including its color, make, model, damage, and any partial license plate information.
Contact an attorney: Speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help you take further steps and notify your insurance company. Don’t provide statements or information to an insurance adjuster without first consulting an attorney.
Types of Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
If you have a valid insurance claim, you can often pursue compensation beyond medical bills and hospital costs. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the available coverage, you may be able to recover damages for:
Future medical care
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Lost earnings and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Scarring or disfigurement
Permanent injury
Property damage
However, your claim's value depends on many factors, including the extent of your injuries, how the accident affects your daily life, and the coverage limits under the applicable policy.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Omaha, Nebraska
In both Nebraska and Iowa, you can still pursue compensation after a hit-and-run accident even if you can't locate the at-fault driver. However, the steps you need to take differ from a typical car accident, and your claim's outcome depends on the severity of your injuries and the type of coverage you are pursuing.
At Abrahamson Law Office, our attorneys, Hugh I. Abrahamson, Jill M. Abrahamson, and Robert E. Larsen, represent those who have been injured following a hit-and-run accident. After a hit-and-run accident, you may face medical bills, lose time from work, and have more questions than answers. We will work with you to identify all available compensation options and pursue the recovery you need to move forward. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, we serve clients in both Nebraska and Iowa. If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact us to schedule a consultation.