Seeking Advice After Hit-and-Run Incident
Hello everyone! I’m reaching out for some guidance regarding a hit-and-run incident that a close friend of mine was recently involved in. A few days ago, someone struck my friend’s car and then fled the scene, leaving the vehicle severely damaged—so much so that they will likely have to replace it. In addition to the car damage, my friend has sustained serious injuries. The police are currently investigating, but it appears the license plate on the offending vehicle was stolen from another state, which may hinder them from locating those responsible. As a result, we are now working with our insurance company, who has indicated they will cover the current market value of the car.
I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on the following matters:
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Insurance Investigation Timeline: How long does it typically take for insurance companies to conduct their investigations and process claims in situations like this?
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Medical Care and Therapy: My friend has coverage through Kaiser Permanente. Can anyone share if they provide at-home care or physical therapy sessions? We have had a frustrating experience with Reston Hospital—despite their case manager’s promises, we have received no follow-up on scheduling therapy, even after multiple calls. Any recommendations would be welcome.
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Legal Support from Insurance: If the police manage to identify the responsible parties and we decide to pursue legal action, will our insurance cover any legal expenses or assist us in finding an attorney?
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Pressing Charges Without Identified Suspects: If the police are unable to locate those responsible, is it still possible to press charges for damages, and if so, against whom?
I truly appreciate any advice or information you can share. Thank you in advance for your help!
I’m really sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. It sounds incredibly challenging, and I hope for their swift recovery. Here are some insights that might help with your questions:
Insurance Investigation: The timeline for an insurance investigation can vary based on the complexity of the case. Typically, if everything is straightforward, it might take a few weeks to a couple of months. However, if the case involves a hit-and-run with stolen plates, it might take longer, especially if police reports or additional information is needed. Staying in regular contact with the claims adjuster can help expedite the process.
Medical Care/Therapy: Kaiser Permanente generally offers a range of services, including home health support and physical therapy. It might be beneficial to directly contact their member services to discuss your friend’s specific needs and get clarity on available services. If communication has been an issue with the hospital, it can be helpful to escalate concerns through Kaiser’s patient advocacy or complaint department. They may assist in getting the necessary care scheduled promptly.
Legal Assistance through Insurance: Many insurance policies include some level of legal assistance or cover legal expenses in the event of an accident, but this varies by provider. It would be best to carefully review the terms of your friend’s policy or discuss with the insurance representative to understand what coverage is available for legal fees if suspects are identified.
Pressing Charges Without Suspects: Pressing charges typically requires identifying the individuals involved. If the police cannot locate the suspects, pursuing criminal charges would be challenging. However, your friend might still consider filing a civil suit for damages against unknown defendants, though this comes with its own set of challenges and may not yield results without identifying the responsible parties.
Encouraging your friend to document everything related to the accident, including medical visits, interactions with insurance, and any correspondence related to their case, can be very beneficial. It’s also wise to consult with a legal professional if they have further questions about their rights and options moving forward. Best wishes to your friend for a speedy recovery and resolution to this situation!