Auto Insurance Claims: Re hit and run accident, neck and back injuries, uninsured motorist coverage

Question
I live in CA and I was in an accident at the end of Oct. It was a hit and run later to find the guy 45 mins later after hitting someone else and running into a building. It was found out later that the 55 yr old gentleman was suffering a stroke when he went to the hospital. He was driving on a suspended license and no insurance.  The police dept has chosen not to press charges. My question is is I have uninsured motorist but I do not know how it works. I ask the insurance company and they tell me it will be settled at the end of everything. Yet I am on LOA with neck and back injuries. I am also told I have to come out of pocket for the deductible. Which now that I am out of work is a financial hardship. Does my insurance company pay everything out and how is everything compensated for loss of work and medical.

Answer
Hi Christine,

Anytime your insurance pays for the repairs to your car, it is subject to your deductible. So you will ave to pay the deductible amount to the body shop that repairs your vehicle.

As for your medical bills and loss of wages; this works the same way as if you were making the claim to the at-fault persons insurance. Your uninsured motorist coverage will not pay individual bills or lost wages as they as they are incurred. Instead, once you are completely finished with all medical treatment, you will need to present a settlement package which will include all medical records, bills, statement of lost wages from your company. You will demand payment of all of these items as well as an amount for pain & suffering. This will start the process of a negotiation that will require several back and forth offers. This process could take from several weeks to several months depending on how serious your injuries are and the amount of your demand.

If at any point you do not feel the insurance comapny is treating you fairly, you should consult with an attorney.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh