How Do I File An Insurance Claim For A Hit And Run?
In New York, if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, you must first report it to the police and your insurance company. The insurance company will investigate the claim, collect evidence and take photographs of your vehicle to determine if the other driver is responsible for your damages.
Typically, you must file your insurance claim within a certain period of time after the accident. This can vary from one provider to another and is usually referred to as a notice period.
- File a Report of a Motor Vehicle Accident with the DMV
If you have any injury or property damage that exceeds $1,000, you must file a report with the DMV as soon as possible. This includes a description of the vehicles, any license plates, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once you have reported the accident to the DMV, you should immediately contact your insurance provider to file a claim. It is important to keep in mind that if you do not file the claim within a specified period of time, your insurer may lose its right to investigate the claim and pay it out.
3. Talk with Your Attorney
If you are injured in a hit-and-run, it is critical that you speak to an attorney who is experienced with hit-and-runs. The attorney can help you gather the proper evidence and prepare your case. The attorney can also assist in tracking down the at-fault party and negotiating for compensation for your injuries and damages.
4. File a Lawsuit
In New York, hit-and-run lawsuits can be filed in small claims court. These lawsuits generally have a low filing fee and a relatively short wait time, and they can be a powerful way to recover your damages from the at-fault party or their insurance company.
5. Negotiate Your Case
If the at-fault party does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, you will likely need to settle for less than you deserve. This is because the at-fault party’s insurance company will not want to pay more than they feel you are entitled to under New York’s pure comparative fault system.
6. Hire a Professional Insurer
The process of filing an insurance claim after a hit-and-run can be challenging. However, if you are represented by a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer, the process should be simple and smooth.
7. Identify Eyewitnesses
If there are witnesses to the hit and run, it is very important to find them. These witnesses can be vital in proving your case and finding the at-fault party.
8. Take Notes and Collect Evidence
After your hit-and-run accident, it is essential that you document the circumstances of the crash as thoroughly as possible. This will help your lawyer negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.