In June, a female pedestrian was struck and badly injured by a hit and run driver in Durham, NC (WNCN). With no knowledge of the responsible driver, how can be compensated for her injuries by the driver’s insurance? If witnesses or law enforcement cannot establish the driver’s identity, she cannot.
Hit and run accidents, where the responsible driver intentionally leaves the scene without providing contact information, are too common in our society. Most happen when vehicles are parked and unattended, and a driver at fault can leave without anyone witnessing the crash. In the case of injury or of damage to your vehicle, your own insurance policy may help protect you. In a hit-and-run collision, if you collision insurance for your vehicle, it will cover the damage (minus the deductible.) You will want to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to help you negotiate with your insurance company.
What other resources will your insurance provide to help you after your hit-and-run? It’s a good idea to know exactly what you’re paying for in your vehicle insurance policy, and to carefully choose a the right policy for any eventuality. When you’re the victim of a hit and run, you are only covered if you have bought certain types of coverage. According to insurance.com, “Liability insurance – mandatory virtually everywhere – does not cover you or your car. To be covered for injuries, you must have purchased personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments or uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist bodily injury liability (UM/UIM) coverage.
In most states, these additional coverage types are not mandatory. In North Carolina, the 2009 Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act requires that ALL drivers have liability insurance and UM/UIM coverage. That’s the good news, if you are a licensed North Carolina driver and are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a hit and run.
According to WSOCTV Channel 9, the number of hit and run crashes in North Carolina has been increasing “at an alarming rate” of 50 percent over the past five years.
Richard Manger, principal of Manger Law Firm, has extensive experience in litigation and settlements, with a focus on personal injury and workers’ compensation law. We are proud of the strong relationships of loyalty and trust we develop with our clients. We go above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. You can contact Richard Manger via email at ram@mangerlaw.com, or by calling (336) 882-2000.
