Hit and Run: Filing a Claim With Your Auto Insurance Company
Courtney Cotter
Hit and Run? Is/Was the Liable Party Not Insured?
Have you been the victim of a hit and run? Did you know you could receive compensation under the uninsured motorist coverage in your auto insurance policy?
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
During my time as a personal injury attorney, I have discovered that most people are unaware of what uninsured motorist (“UM”) coverage is and what it covers in the event of an accident. UM coverage kicks in if you are hit and injured by a driver, but the driver either flees the scene or does not have an auto insurance policy.
UM covers injuries that resulted from the accident, such as medical bills and expenses relating to the injuries, repairs to your vehicle, and lost wages for time missed from work.
Why is UM Coverage Important?
It is estimated that as many as 32 million drivers in the United States are uninsured. If you are hit by one of the 32 million uninsured drivers and you do not carry uninsured motorist coverage in your auto policy, then you could potentially have to pay for all your own medical bills, any other expense associated with the accident and you could be out lost wages for the time you had to miss from work.
Will Your Auto Insurance Rate Increase If You File a Claim?
An UM claim is filed with your auto insurance company. Most people do not want to file an UM claim because they fear their insurance premium will increase.
In the State of Tennessee, it is a violation of the law for an insurance company to raise your insurance premium or cancel your coverage all together due to a claim for UM benefits. Your insurance company might tell you that it could “potentially” raise your rates as a way to deter you from filing your claim – do NOT believe everything your insurance company says as the insurance company has an interest in avoiding claims.
When Should You File a Claim?
It is important to file a claim immediately. Most insurance companies limit the time frame for filing a claim (sometimes as little as 30 days). If the driver that hit you states they don’t have auto insurance or refuses to provide you with his/her auto insurance information, then you need to notify your insurance company immediately.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
The insurance company, specifically the adjuster handling your claim is going to do everything in his/her power to make sure you get the least amount of compensation if he/she offers anything at all.
Hiring an attorney can ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. At Cotter Law it is our priority to take on the fight with the insurance company while you focus on recovering from your auto accident. Fill out the form below or call Cotter Law today to schedule your FREE consultation at (865) 888-7155 to speak with an experienced attorney.