Types of Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident

In the unpredictable world of road accidents, a hit-and-run accident stands as one of the most distressing scenarios a driver can face. When the at-fault party flees the scene, victims are often left with unanswered questions and mounting expenses for damages and injuries. As a victim of a hit-and-run accident, it is important to understand the various forms of insurance coverage and personal injury protection which can provide financial compensation to help you recover.  

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) can provide various types of compensation for individuals involved in a hit-and-run accident when the at-fault driver is unidentified or lacks insurance. UM serves as a crucial financial safety net for individuals who have been victims of a hit-and-run accident. The specific compensation you can receive through UM coverage typically includes:

• Medical Expenses: medical bills resulting from injuries sustained in the hit-and-run accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical treatments.
• Lost Wages: reimbursement for the wages you would have earned if your injuries prevented you from working and result in lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
• Property Damage: some policies may provide compensation for property damage, such as repairs to your vehicle or the replacement of damaged personal belongings.

Experienced personal injury attorneys in Birmingham have handled car accident cases in which UM coverage is a lifeline for hit-and-run accident victims. Having financial coverage of medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages after an unexpected accident can be extremely beneficial. UM coverage ensures that car accident victims do not bear the financial burden caused by another driver’s reckless actions. Compensation from UM coverage not only helps ease the immediate financial stress after a hit-and-run, but also reinforces the principle of responsible driving for the safety of all road users.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

Underinsured motorist coverage is utilized when the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run accident has insurance, but their coverage is inadequate to fully cover your damages. When a driver’s insurance policy is insufficient to cover your damages fully, UIM coverage steps in to bridge the financial gap. UIM ensures that accident victims receive the compensation necessary to address your medical bills, lost income, and other costs.

UIM offers compensation to prevent victims from bearing the financial burden of mounting medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering on their own. This type of coverage helps provide the necessary funds for victims to recover and rebuild their lives after a serious hit-and-run accident. UIM coverage is an essential safety net which offers financial relief and peace of mind for injured car accident victims in situations where the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short, or when they remain unidentified in a hit-and-run situation.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Another type of compensation after a hit-and-run accident is personal injury protection (PIP) which is a component of auto insurance. PIP coverage extends its support regardless of who is at fault, making it especially useful when the identity of the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run is unknown. In hit-and-run accident cases, PIP can provide compensation for a range of expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, and even funeral costs in tragic accidents involving death. 

This type of insurance coverage comprehensively addresses the immediate financial needs of injury victims after a car accident. PIP helps ensure those who have been injured in an accident receive prompt medical care and financial assistance with doing so. PIP can offer significant support by providing compensation if the at-fault party is unidentified and helping individuals recover after a serious accident.

Auto Insurance Collision Coverage

In a hit-and-run accident where the at-fault driver cannot be identified, collision coverage through your personal auto insurance carrier can provide compensation for the costs of replacing your vehicle or repairing damages caused by the accident. Unlike UM or UIM coverage, collision coverage does not require you to identify or locate the at-fault driver. Collision coverage provides compensation solely for the damages to your vehicle, regardless of whether the responsible party can be found. 

This type of compensation through your auto insurance carrier not only provides peace of mind, but also provides financial relief for the costs of vehicle repair or replacement after a serious accident. Auto collision coverage can help to quickly take care of restoring vehicle damage, while you focus on recovering from any injuries sustained.