How To Handle A Hit And Run Accident

By Graham McKenzie

You may be following the entire right rule while driving, being safe and protective as well as following all of the laws. The scariest part about driving for most people is not getting behind the wheel themselves but the fear of whom else is behind the wheel on the road. Not all follows the rules and that is how accidents happen.

One pretty common rule on the road is that everyone is expected to have car insurance. It is illegal in most states to drive around without insurance, and in states that it is not required it is considered decent to have it. Unfortunately, the most common drivers in accidental vehicle accidents are ones without insurance.

When you are in an accident you look forward to other person will stay at the scene and wait for the police to be called, you can fill out a report, switch over insurance companies and then deal with the damage later after you are off the road. If you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have insurance or for some other reason they are not wanting to face the police you might not have this experience. You could be involved in an accident and see the car that caused it speed off and never to be seen again.

When you are in the middle of a mishap and you car has been hit, try to maintain equanimity and attempt to note down the vehicle number expecting it to vacate the scene. In case the other driver has been decent enough to park and wait, note down the number, to be on the safer side.

If you want to file a claim with your insurance company, you have to make sure that the police take down both of your insurance numbers. If the person that was in an accident with you does not have insurance, and you have underinsured or uninsured vehicle coverage, your insurance company will pick up the cost of the accident up to the top limit of your policy.

You have to bear the deductible you have as per your policy. You may not have caused the mishap; even then you are expected to cough up the deductible so that your insurance provider can cater to the remaining expenditure. It may not ring right but it is far better than having to bear the entire expense. In a majority of the cases, hit and run drivers abscond from the scene, if you do not act immediately and note down the vehicle number. If the cops do manage to nab the offender, you may apprise your insurance company so that they may take legal action against the offender and claim the amount that is due and if you are keen, you may even drag them to civil court, in order to get back your deductible and any other additional expenses that you may have had to expend on account of the mishap. Hence, your timely alertness at the site of the accident will save you a lot of bother later. - 21393

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal, which helps people save on their car insurance.