Filing an insurance claim, in Kentucky, as a hit and run accident victim can be confusing. As a victim, you may not know your rights. Kentucky is a no-fault insurance state, so proving who is at fault isn’t necessary. Here are some guidelines to follow to file a successful claim.
Get As Much Information On The Vehicle As Possible
If you are able to, it is very important to provide as much information as possible to the police — vehicle description, license plate number, and any other identifiable information that will separate this vehicle from others of the same make and model.
Call The Police To File A Report
Filing a police report is very important for your claim. Your insurance company will want to see the details of the accident. This will assure them that you aren’t trying to commit insurance fraud. Once the police are involved, a proper investigation of the incident can begin and hopefully they are able to apprehend the person who struck you. Providing as much information as possible will give them the evidence they need for success in solving the case. Many hit and run accidents are unsolved. This is why it is imperative that you provide as many details as possible of the accident. Reporting the accident promptly is also very important and will increase the odds of the police apprehending the suspect. They are able to take the information you provided along with the evidence at the crime scene which will assist in your claim with the insurance company.
Your Injuries Could Be Worse Than You Realize
It is important that you don’t ignore any injuries from the accident. Hit and run accident’s often lead to back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones. After a hit and run accident, you may not realize, due to an increase in adrenaline, the severity of your injuries. Seek medical care immediately following the incident as this could increase your chances of recovering from your injuries. The insurance company will also take this into account when processing your claim.
File A Claim With Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to begin the claim process. With no fault insurance in Kentucky, you are entitled to receive benefits regardless of which party was at fault. You will be assigned a claims adjuster who will begin the process of investigating the hit and run accident.
Here are some helpful tips when speaking to the adjuster:
- Only state the facts of the incident
- Provide only the information that is requested
- Don’t accept an early settlement
- Don’t admit that it was your fault
- Make sure you know if you have injuries or not before you let the adjuster know
Your insurance company may offer to settle for less than you feel you deserve. It can be challenging to negotiate for more alone. A lawyer could be helpful if this is the case.
Michael A. O’Hara, PLLC Can Help You With Personal Injury Negotiation and Litigation
Injuries happen unexpectedly, and they can lead to major setbacks for victims and their families. Injury victims and their loved ones not only have to deal with the injury itself but also with a significant financial burden that these situations cause. I have an experienced team with the resources necessary to fully investigate your claim and recover the compensation you deserve.
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Contact (859-746-0500) Michael O’Hara, PLLC for a Consultation
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About Michael A. O’Hara, PLLC
When you have to deal with the justice system – whether related to a civil or criminal matter – you need more than the truth on your side. You need a skilled attorney who can employ sound legal strategies to produce the results you are hoping for. I am attorney Michael A. O’Hara, and I am licensed to practice in Kentucky and Ohio at the state level, as well as in Federal District Court and the Federal Court of Claims. I have been representing clients in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area since 1994.