MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. Earlier this month a pedestrian women was seriously hurt after she was hit by a car. According to CBS Minnesota, the driver of the vehicle who hit the woman remains at large. While we like to think that hit and run accidents are rare, they sadly occur more often than we’d like to believe.
When they do occur, they can create serious stress and challenges to victims and families. In a car accident in which both individuals remain at the scene of the event, individuals often have the benefit of seeking reimbursement for their injuries from their insurance and sometimes from the insurance of the other driver. However, with a hit and run accident, victims may not have these benefits. This can put families in a tough financial position, as they struggle to pay for medical expenses, cover lost wages, and manage pain and suffering.
If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run accident, it is important to understand your insurance policy. According to Allstate your own insurance company may cover you in the event of an accident. If you have collision coverage, for instance, you may be able to make a claim, even if the other driver fled the scene of the accident. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage may sometimes protect you if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident. Uninsured motorist coverage for property damage may also be able to help you. Medical payments coverage and personal injury protection may also protect you if another driver leaves the scene. Of course, it is important to understand your policy, limits, and deductibles. Your insurance adjuster may not always let you know what coverage you can claim. Being informed about your rights could be useful, especially if the other driver fled the scene of the accident. Furthermore, a car accident attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota may be able to help you speak to adjusters. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino can review your insurance policy, work with adjusters, and help you get the recovery you may deserve.
Another way you may be able to get financial help if you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident is through Minnesota’s crime victims reparations board. The fund provides assistance to families whose lives have been affected by crime in Minnesota. Drunk driving and criminal vehicular operation are considered crimes covered by the fund. It is important to report your hit and run as soon as it occurs. The crime victims fund has additional eligibility requirements. If you think you may qualify, you can contact the board, or contact a qualified car accident lawyer who can help you review your options.
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, stay calm, call the police, and gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the crime. Write down anything you can remember about the other car and see if there were witnesses around you. Take pictures of the scene. Evidence may remain which could help police. File a police report. Contact your insurance company. And, if you have additional questions, visit https://martinmontilino.com/ to learn more about your rights.