Seeking Advice on a Hit-and-Run Incident
Hello everyone! I’m reaching out for some guidance regarding a hit-and-run incident that recently involved a close friend of mine. A few days ago, they were struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene. My friend’s car was severely damaged and will likely need to be replaced, and unfortunately, they have sustained serious injuries. The police are currently investigating but it appears the other vehicle had a stolen license plate from a different state, which may complicate identifying the responsible parties. As a result, we are now working with our insurance company, which has informed us they will cover the car’s current value.
I’d appreciate any insights or advice you can offer on a few matters:
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Insurance Investigations: How long does it usually take for an insurance company to conduct its investigation and process claims in hit-and-run cases like this?
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Medical Care/Therapy: My friend has Kaiser Permanente insurance. Does anyone know if they offer at-home care or physical therapy sessions? We’ve faced challenges with Reston Hospital — their case manager has not followed through on the promised therapy schedule, despite multiple follow-ups. Any guidance would be appreciated.
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Legal Support via Insurance: If the police do identify the responsible parties and we choose to take legal action, will the insurance company cover legal fees or assist in finding a lawyer?
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Filing Charges Without Identified Suspects: If the police are unable to find the responsible individuals, can we still pursue charges for damages, and if so, against whom?
Thank you all for your help and support! I really appreciate any information or recommendations you can provide.
I’m really sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. It sounds incredibly challenging, and it’s great that you’re looking to support them. Here’s some advice on the points you’ve raised:
Insurance Investigation: The length of time it takes for an insurance company to process a claim can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case, but it generally takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks for them to complete their investigation. In hit-and-run cases, it might take longer, especially if they’re gathering evidence or waiting for police reports. It’s a good idea to maintain regular contact with their claims adjuster for updates.
Medical Care/Therapy: Kaiser Permanente typically provides a range of services, including at-home care and physical therapy, but the specifics can vary based on your friend’s coverage plan. It’s crucial to reach out directly to Kaiser member services to get detailed information about available options. If you’re experiencing difficulties with Reston Hospital, you might want to escalate the matter, perhaps by asking for a supervisor or getting in touch with a patient advocate who can help navigate the system.
Legal Assistance through Insurance: Generally, insurance policies do not cover legal fees unless you have specific coverage for legal assistance. If the police find the responsible parties and legal action proceeds, your friend may need to find a personal injury attorney to discuss options for recovery. Some insurance policies provide legal assistance for uninsured or underinsured motorist claims, but reviewing the specific terms of your friend’s policy is key.
Pressing Charges Without Suspects: In most cases, pressing charges typically requires identifying a suspect. However, your friend may still be able to pursue civil action for damages against unidentified parties through the insurance policy or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on how the law in your jurisdiction works. It might be worthwhile to consult with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases for tailored advice.
I hope this helps, and I wish your friend a smooth recovery and successful resolution to their situation. It’s nice to see such support from a friend during these tough times.