Help with Hit and Run Third Party Claim
So, here’s the situation: I was out drinking, and I had a sober friend drive my car home. Unfortunately, we got hit by a reckless drunk driver. This all happened just 40 feet from the driver’s home, and when the police arrived, he dashed inside, leaving his car parked outside. I reported it as a hit and run since he didn’t stick around.
I have a photo of his license plate and about 20 minutes of evidence, as he lingered at the scene before retreating to his house. He didn’t provide me with any insurance details, but with the VIN and license plate info, along with his girlfriend mentioning that he had Progressive insurance, I was able to file a third-party claim.
I’m looking for advice on how a third-party claim is processed in a case labeled as a hit and run. I believe I have strong evidence due to him being present for 20 minutes before leaving. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, but it’s good that you have evidence to support your case. Here are some steps and advice regarding your third-party claim:
Contact Your Insurance: Notify your own insurance company about the incident. They can provide guidance and might assist with the claims process against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Document Everything: Ensure all evidence is well documented. Keep a copy of the police report, photos of the scene, and any witness statements. The fact that this was recorded as a hit-and-run could complicate things, but your evidence should help clarify the situation.
Talk to the Insurance Adjuster: When filing your third-party claim, be clear about the details of the incident. Explain the situation thoroughly, including the timeline and the fact that the other driver was at the scene for 20 minutes. Provide them with all the evidence you have.
Legal Advice: It might be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in auto insurance claims or personal injury. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific circumstances and help advocate on your behalf.
Follow Up: Keep in regular contact with the insurance companies involved. Sometimes claims can get delayed, and you want to ensure that your claim is being processed.
Check Local Laws: Since laws regarding hit-and-run incidents can vary significantly by state, it’s worth checking local laws to understand your rights and options further.
Consider Your Options: If the insurance claim doesn’t go as planned, you might have the option to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver directly, depending on the circumstances.
Stay persistent and keep records of all communications you have with insurance representatives. Good luck, and I hope you get the resolution you need!