How to Recover Damages in a Drunk Driver Hit and Run Accident
By: LawInfo
It is always frustrating to suffer property damage or personal injuries in an accident that you did not cause but, it can be particularly challenging when the harm was caused by a drunk driver hit and run accident. While you are left stunned in the aftermath of an accident, the driver who caused the accident has left the scene. If you are lucky, you were able to get a good look at the car and possibly even the license plate so that you have a description to give the police. The police may find the car and driver involved in your accident and you may be able to recover damages from that person. However, for a variety of reasons, many hit and run cases are never solved and the driver who caused your accident is never found. But that does not mean that you should bear the out of pocket expenses for the accident.
Stay on the Police to Investigate the Case and Collect Damages
If the police are able to identify the car involved in the accident and/or the driver of that car then you may be able to recover damages from the owner or driver of the car. Police departments are generally overworked and may not have a lot of time to dedicate to the investigation of your case. It is important for you to maintain regular contact with the investigating officer and to share any details with the officer that can make the investigation easier. If the police identify the owner or driver of the car then you may be able to collect damages from their insurance companies or sue them for negligence and recover damages in court if an out of court settlement cannot be reached.
Pursue Damages From Your Own Insurance Policy
Most states require you to carry insurance for accidents caused by people without car insurance or hit and run drivers. You have the right to make an insurance claim pursuant to that part of the policy and have your own insurance company compensate you for your injuries. In many instances, the insurance company may not raise your future insurance rates if you make a claim for injuries sustained in a drunk driver hit and run accident. Therefore, you should make the claim and let the insurance company pay your expenses.
Stay Focused and Persistent
It can be difficult to think clearly during and immediately after a car accident. Even if the other driver has fled the scene of the accident, it is important that you contact the police and request that an officer come to the scene to conduct an investigation and file a report.
You should not have to bear the expense of an accident which you did not cause. If you cannot locate the drunk driver who damaged your property or caused your injuries, or the owner of the car driven by the drunk driver, then you should make a claim with your own insurance company for your financial recovery.
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