Being in a car accident is already a stressful situation. The only way that being in an accident can become more stressful is if the other driver doesn't pull over and leaves the scene without stopping.
Successfully recovering damages in a Connecticut hit-and-run is difficult. So, it makes sense when victims of hit-and-run accidents are frustrated when a driver flees the scene. It happens more often than you may think too. A woman was charged in a hit-n-run accident recently, dating back to the summer, after fleeing the scene of an accident in Hartford, CT and killing a bicyclist, which will likely lead to a wrongful death lawsuit.
What happens after a hit-and-run? Who pays for your damages? Who pays for your medical bills? We will answer these questions in the following article.
But, the best course of action following a hit-and-run accident is to consult with a CT car accident attorney who can provide support and guidance. For many years, accident victims in CT have benefited from the legal assistance of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Allow us to offer you the help you need and what your options are.
Is a CT Hit-and-Run Covered by Insurance?
The damages for any bodily injuries suffered by anyone involved in an accident are covered by the liability insurance of the at-fault motorist. But in a hit-and-run, the at fault driver is unknown. Because of this, the victim(s) are not able to receive compensation from the driver's liability insurance.
A hit-and-run victim in Connecticut will instead need to rely on their own insurance. The expenses of a hit-and-run accident may be covered by the following policies:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance
Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (commonly known as UM/UIM insurance) covers hit and run accidents even though it usually covers accidents in which the at-fault driver either has no insurance or insufficient insurance to pay for your losses. When a driver is involved in a hit-and-run, the insurance company handles them as if they are an uninsured motorist.
In Connecticut, drivers are required by law to have UM/UIM insurance with a $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident minimum. If you are injured in a hit-and-run collision and you have UM/UIM insurance, you are protected.
Losses that are typically covered by your UM/UIM policy, include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Future income
- Pain and suffering
How Do I Know I Will Receive Fair Compensation For a Hit-and-Run Accident?
It's important to understand up front that insurance companies, including "your" insurance provider, do not always act in your best interests. There is no assurance that the insurer will treat you fairly when you file a claim for UM/UIM insurance and/or other types of coverage, even if you pay your premiums on time.
An insurance company will often attempt to settle claims for a lower amount than they are actually worth. Accepting a low settlement is a common mistake accident victims make. They are then left to cover expenses out of pocket. Furthermore, if a claim is not paid quickly, you may not have the money you need to recover after the accident.
Having an experienced car accident attorney handle the hit-and-run claim on your behalf will yield the best results. An attorney may be able to get a larger settlement than you could on your own. Your attorney also has the right to file a lawsuit and, if necessary, take the matter all the way to court if the insurer treats you unfairly.
Should your lawyer be able to identify the hit-and-run driver, you will also have the opportunity to file a claim against the driver's liability insurance.
For Legal Assistance, Contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney At Law
The lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law have helped resolve thousands of car accident cases in CT. Our team fights for justice on behalf of our clients.
If you've been injured in an accident and need legal help, call us today to find out how we can help. We never charge you for consultations, and we won't take any payment from you until we prevail in your case.
Calling us now is the first step in getting the fair compensation you deserve.