Seeking Advice on Hit-and-Run Incident
Hello everyone! I’m reaching out for some guidance regarding a hit-and-run incident that recently affected a close friend of mine. A few days ago, my friend was involved in a hit-and-run accident where the other party fled the scene, leaving my friend’s car extensively damaged and likely beyond repair. Unfortunately, my friend also sustained serious injuries. The police are currently investigating, but it appears that the license plate from the other vehicle was stolen from another state, which complicates their ability to identify the culprits. As a result, we now have to work with our insurance company, which has informed us that they will cover the car’s current market value.
I would greatly appreciate any advice on the following matters:
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Duration of Insurance Investigations: How long does it typically take for an insurance company to wrap up an investigation and process claims in situations like this?
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Medical Care and Therapy Options: My friend has Kaiser Permanente insurance. Do they offer at-home care or physical therapy services? We’ve had a frustrating experience with Reston Hospital, where the case manager did not follow through on scheduling therapy despite multiple follow-ups. Any recommendations or insights would be appreciated.
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Legal Support through Insurance: If the police manage to identify the responsible parties and we choose to pursue legal action, will our insurance cover any legal fees or assist in finding a lawyer?
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Pressing Charges Without Identified Suspects: If the police are unable to locate the individuals responsible, is it still possible to press charges for damages? If so, who would we file against?
Thank you all in advance for any assistance or insights you can provide!
I’m really sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. Hit-and-run incidents can be incredibly stressful, especially when injuries are involved. Here are some insights and suggestions that might help:
Insurance Investigation: The duration for an insurance company to investigate a claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the responsiveness of involved parties. Generally, a standard claim can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If the investigation involves locating the hit-and-run driver or resolving any disputes, it may take longer. It’s a good idea for your friend to maintain regular communication with their insurance adjuster for updates.
Medical Care/Therapy: Kaiser Permanente does offer physical therapy services, including at-home care options, depending on the medical necessity deemed by their healthcare providers. It can be beneficial for your friend to reach out directly to Kaiser’s member services for clarity on available therapy options and to request assistance in navigating the system, especially if there has been a lack of follow-up from the hospital.
Legal Assistance through Insurance: Many insurance policies do provide legal assistance if you need to pursue claims against an at-fault party. It’s essential to check the specifics of your friend’s policy and clarify with their insurance agent what legal services might be available. If they do find the responsible parties, reaching out to a personal injury attorney might also be a good step, even if it’s outside of the insurance coverage.
Pressing Charges Without Suspects: In criminal cases, pressing charges typically requires the identification of suspects. However, for civil damages, your friend can seek compensation from their own insurance under uninsured motorist coverage (if applicable) or file a civil suit against unknown assailants. Consulting with a legal professional could provide more tailored advice based on the specific circumstances.
Encourage your friend to document everything related to the accident—medical records, police reports, insurance correspondence, and any other relevant details. This documentation will be crucial whether dealing with insurance or pursuing any legal actions in the future. Wishing your friend a speedy recovery and a resolution to this challenging situation!