Generally, auto insurances pay for medical bills and repair expenses caused by car accidents. Several types of insurance may or may not be required, depending on the state. If you are involved in a car crash, these insurance coverages can help you cover the bill:

•  Collision Coverage, 
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage, 
• Personal Injury Protection, and
•  Medical Payments. 

 

What are the Different Types of Car Insurance for a Hit-and-Run Case?

Being in a car accident is a challenging moment in your life. In some cases, it becomes more complicated when the at-fault party flees the scene and avoids paying for the damages from the accident. Fortunately, there are different types of car insurance to cover the damages from a hit-and-run case.

 

Collision Coverage

Collision Coverage is a type of insurance that can provide compensation for any damages to your vehicle caused by car crashes, regardless of who is at fault. Collision Coverage can help pay for vehicle repair or car part replacement expenses in a hit-and-run car crash. In general, collision coverage is applicable in specific situations, such as:

• Single-vehicle accidents, like hitting a telephone pole or other foreign object on the road
• Collisions with other vehicles
• Hit-and-Run accidents 
• Collisions while your car is parked 

 

Take note that there are instances where you are not allowed to claim collision coverage, such as the following:

• When you hit an animal;
• When you are responsible for a car accident; or
• When damages are caused by events outside of your control, like running into a falling branch or tree.

 

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage 

Uninsured Motorist Insurance can help cover expenses for your injuries from an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This can also pay for your passenger’s injuries and vehicle damages. Most states do not require this type of insurance. 

However, this is smart if you want to avoid shelling out for damages caused by an uninsured driver. In addition, this can also apply to car accidents where the driver liable for the crash does not have enough insurance coverage. 

 

Uninsured Motorists can also pay for the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Non-economic damages
• Funeral expenses

 

Personal Injury Protection

Personal Injury Protection can settle your medical expenses when you are involved in an accident. It is also called ‘no-fault insurance’ because it caters to the driver’s and passenger’s health expenses regardless of who is responsible for the accident. It can also cover for:

• wage loss,
• loss of services,
• funeral expenses,
• psychiatric care, and
• rehabilitative care.

Moreover, Personal Injury Protection covers hospital bills and other health-related expenses of:

• Passengers during the accident
• Individuals from the same household related by blood, marriage, or adoption
• Pedestrians involved in the accident

 

Medical Pay

Medical Pay is similar to Personal Injury Protection in terms of its coverage. However, Medical Pay focuses on immediate medical care costs and funeral expenses with limited inclusions. 

Whether or not you are liable for the accident, you and your passenger may use this specific insurance policy. It generally covers:

• Emergency fees
• Ambulance fees
• Hospital admissions
• Appointment with doctors
• Surgery and X-rays
• Professional nursing services and care
• Prosthetic limbs
• Dental procedures 
• Funeral costs

Furthermore, Collision Coverage and Uninsured Motorist Insurance best fit hit-and-run cases where the accident causes damages to a property such as a parked vehicle. Uninsured Motorist Insurance, Personal Injury Protection, and Medical Pay cater to victims of hit-and-run accidents with bodily injuries. 

 

Comparing Different Types of Car Insurance for Hit-and-Run Incidents

There are several cases of hit-and-run incidents. Typically, your claim is considered a hit-and-run when:

• You are driving, and your car collides with another vehicle, causing damages to you, your passenger, and your vehicle
• You are moving, and a car suddenly hits you, causing damage to your vehicle or property. 
• Your car is parked and has damaged parts due to others’ negligence.
• You are an injured pedestrian involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Each type of insurance has its pros and cons, depending on the nature of the hit-and-run case. Refer to the table below to compare the following types of car insurance. 

Coverage	Collision Coverage	Uninsured Motorist Property Damage	Personal Injury Protection	Medical Pay
Medical expenses for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vehicle repair or car parts replacement	Yes	Yes	No	No
Other compensation such as funeral fees, lost wages, etc.	No	Yes	Yes	Yes (Funeral costs only)

 

What Do I Do When I’m Involved In a Hit-and-run Accident?

In most hit-and-run cases, the victims feel devastated and confused after the accident. They tend to panic and react negatively when the driver liable for the incident leaves the scene. If you are involved in a hit-and-run case, here are the steps to follow after the accident:

• Check if you have injuries and call 911 immediately
• Do not follow the driver responsible for the accident
• Examine the scene and record all possible pieces of evidence
• Make an initial police report
• Notify your insurance company and determine the value of the compensation they can cover
• Reach out to a legal expert before making settlements with the insurance company

 

When Do I Pursue A Hit-and-run Insurance Claim?

Usually, your insurance company covers the expenses from a hit-and-run accident. However, there are instances where the claim adjusters pressure you into agreeing with reduced restitution. 

When this happens, it is recommended that you contact a legal expert to pursue a hit-and-run insurance claim and determine the total value of your case. A Personal injury lawyer considers the following when negotiating for settlements:

• Current and future medical bills
• Hospital admissions
• Long-term health support
• Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering
• Treatment for mental health symptoms
• Reimbursement for lost wages
• Physical damages to your property
• Wrongful death

Jacoby and Meyers Lawyers Office is a team of experienced personal injury lawyers who can aid in maximizing the restitution from hit-and-run accidents. We offer the highest quality of service and ensure that you will receive the total value of your claim. 

 

Give us a call today at 888-960-0480 for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you.

 

Call or text 888-522-6291 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form