Blog – Vernfonk Insurance

Dealing with a car accident can be confusing and complicated. The situation can become even more difficult if the other driver hits your car and drives off.  

It is critical to know what to do if someone hits your car and drives off. The way you handle the accident with your insurance company will be significantly different. Be prepared with advanced knowledge in case you should ever find yourself in this unfortunate predicament. 

Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident a Felony?

Being involved in a car accident can be scary, so it can be easy for a driver to panic after a collision. Regardless of the adrenaline rush, you should never flee whether you were at fault or not. Leaving the accident scene can result in hit and run charges, fines, penalties, license suspension, and even jail time. 

According to HG.org, a hit and run is considered a felony based on the damage caused and if anyone was injured or killed. The exact repercussions vary from state to state, but an individual who faces hit and run charges may face severe repercussions. 

What to Do if Someone Hits Your Car and Drives Off

If you are involved in an accident, and the other driver flees the scene, you should follow these steps:

1. Call the police or 911. If you are injured, or the damage is significant, it is wise to report the accident as soon as possible.
2. Write down details. Since you cannot exchange any information with the other driver, you should make notes about as much information as you can remember, such as the vehicle color, make, model, and possible license plate number.
3. Check for witnesses. If there are other people around, you should see if anyone else witnessed the incident and take down their names and phone numbers if possible.
4. Take photos. Grab a few photos of the damage to your vehicle and the scene where the accident took place.
5. Call your insurance provider. Contact your insurance agent to report the accident and discuss your options.
6. Take photos. Grab a few photos of the damage to your vehicle and the scene where the accident took place.
7. Call your insurance provider. Contact your insurance agent to report the accident and discuss your options.

Will My Insurance Protect Me if Someone Hit My Car and Left?

Suppose you were injured or your car was damaged by another driver who left the scene on an accident. In that case, you will be relieved to know that there is likely some coverage on your insurance policy that will help cover your expenses. Examples of these coverages include:

• Collision coverage. Collision helps pay for damage to your vehicle, resulting from an accident regardless of who was at fault. Collision coverage is typically required if your car is leased or financed, so you may want to check to see if it is on your current policy.

• Uninsured motorist bodily injury/property damage coverage. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage helps to pay for any physical harm you experience resulting from being involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. Uninsured property damage coverage helps to pay for damage to your vehicle after an accident with an insured driver. Both of these coverages may offer some protection for hit and run accidents, but it is not guaranteed. These coverages are also not available in every state.

• Personal injury protection. Personal injury protection covers medical expenses and more for drivers and their passengers. It is important to note that this coverage is mandatory in some states while not available in others.

Do You Have to Pay Your Deductible if it was a Hit and Run?

A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays for a covered claim. Whether or not you have to pay a deductible following a hit and run accident depends on the situation and the coverage option. 

For example, collision coverage has a deductible that you would have to pay, while uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage typically does not. If you can identify the hit and run driver, you may seek compensation from them for any money you paid in deductibles. 

Hit and run accidents can be incredibly stressful, but knowing what to do and ensuring you have the optimal insurance coverage protection will make the situation much easier to handle.

Get ready to hit the road again with a car insurance policy from Vern Fonk. Start your free quote online, over the phone, or at one of our offices near you.