You’re side-swiped on the road, and the other operator speeds away. Or perhaps you come back to your car in the parking lot after going shopping, to find a dent in your vehicle and no phone number on your windshield. A hit and run car accident can leave you with injuries, vehicle destruction, or maybe both.

"Who’s going to pay for this?"

The answer may be your car insurance coverage, but there are other factors to take into consideration.

Usually, drivers obtain car insurance to make sure they're covered if they end up producing a car accident in which someone else is injured or incurs property damage. This is described as "liability" car insurance, and in most states, it's the type of car insurance that vehicle owners are obligated to carry. But since you don’t know the identification of the other motorist in a hit-and-run accident, let alone their insurance information then obviously their liability insurance (if they even have it) is not going to come into play.

Let’s look at a few of your best options :

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Usually, an insurer is obligated to at least give a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage to policy obtainers, which must decline UIM in writing if they don't desire it.

Uninsured motorist coverage usually gives financial compensation if you're injured and/or incur vehicle damage in a car collision produced by someone who is operating without car insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage provides similar protection if the at-fault driver's policy limits are less than your financial losses.

UIM would also be your primary source of security in the event of a hit-and-run accident. Considering that the other driver cannot be found, you should report the accident to both law enforcement and your insurance company within a reasonable period of time. The name and contact information for an objective car accident witness will be a big help, as you'll need to give some basic proof related to the accident.

PIP Coverage

Personal Injury Protection or (PIP) coverage reimburses you for medical bills and lost earnings for the insured driver after a car collision, regardless of who produced the crash.

PIP coverage is usually available in many states as add-on coverage, depending on where you reside and which car insurance company you have chosen. And in states that obey a no-fault car insurance system, PIP is part of your necessary coverage.

Collision Coverage

When all else disappoints, you can make a claim on your own policy under your collision coverage after a hit-and-run collision. This would at least cover the cost to repair your vehicle, but will in all likelihood cause your premiums to rise. So, your choice to go this route may depend on the amount of the damage and the cost of repairs to your vehicle.

If you have any questions about a hit and run accident contact The Davis Law Firm today for a professional consultation.