Hit-and-run accidents could prove both injurious and financially disastrous to the victims. The same may be true when someone gets into a collision, and the negligent driver remains at the scene. When the person who hit the car remains, it becomes possible to acquire identifying and insurance information. When a hit-and-run accident occurs in Georgia, the victim may assume he or she cannot recover losses. That might not be the case when carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Not every driver in Georgia carries liability insurance or sufficient limits to cover damages. With hit-and-run incidents, the driver leaves the scene and might never end up identified. In such scenarios, filing an uninsured motorist claim on a policy might be an option.
Unfortunately, not every policyholder even realizes that uninsured/underinsured coverage appears on his or her policy. Sometimes, the policyholder may purchase insurance years earlier and never review the coverage. So when a hit-and-run accident occurs, no one files a claim. Or the policyholder may not realize that uninsured/underinsured coverage could pay for a hit-and-run incident. Some individuals may not even be aware that their policies could provide coverage when the injured person is a pedestrian or riding a bike.
Ironically, the policyholder may have too little uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Take that as another reason why periodically reviewing a policy may prove advisable. Does the policy currently contain the lowest possible amount of coverage? Maybe increasing it could be beneficial. Remember, if an accident occurs before raising the limits, the limits become the maximum amount available to claim.
Dealing with the insurance company
Even with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in place, an insurance company could prove difficult. Perhaps the provider attempts to avoid paying on a hit-and-run claim. Unless the policy excludes it, it may seem reasonable and expected for the provider to deliver on its obligations.
Insurance companies may offer less than an appropriate amount as well. Negotiating with an insurance company may be a task a personal injury attorney could handle. A lawyer may assist a client with filing a lawsuit against an insurance company that is acting in bad faith.