Hit and Run Car Accidents and Insurance Coverage

A hit and run car accident can be a difficult situation because if the striking vehicle is not found or identified, then there is no "at fault" or "liability" insurance company. However, you might be able to recover for damages.
If you were struck by a hit and run vehicle and suffered injuries or damages, you may be able to recover. Obviously, if the striking vehicle is found, then you can make a claim against that driver's insurance policy.

If the hit-and-run vehicle is never located, you must look to your own insurance coverage. What you want to have is "uninsured motorist" ("UM") coverage. UM coverage provides benefits when you are hit by a vehicle that is uninsured. But, on most policies, including in Pennsylvania, it will cover the situation where there was a hit and run and the striking vehicle was never found. You are entitled to make a claim for benefits under your UM coverage. This should not raise your insurance rates, because you paid premiums for this coverage and you were not at fault. As with any crash, you should report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible.

Under your UM coverage, you can recover for bodily injury (also known as pain and suffering) as well as economic losses such as lost wages, losses to personal property, lost future earnings. If you have "no fault" wage loss coverage you can apply for that, which is separate from uninsured motorist coverage. Also, in Pennsylvania, you will have medical benefits under separate medical coverage - that will pay for medical bills and treatment up to the limits on your policy.

Under a UM claim, your insurance company will still require proof that it was the fault of the other, hit and run, driver, and that you sustained injuries and damages due to the crash. The injuries will need to be established by medical records and documentation such as diagnostic tests, doctor examinations and narratives, photos, etc.

The UM and "UIM" (underinsured motorist coverage, for instances where the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage to pay for your damages) coverages on your policy are extremely important because they protect you and your family against the negligence of other drivers who either have no insurance or do not have enough insurance.

If you have further questions, you should contact a lawyer who is experienced in handling these claims.