Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-Run Accidents in Indianapolis

Indiana Personal Injury Attorneys

The Indiana car accident attorneys at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP are industry leaders in the practice of personal injury law. Founded in 1899, our firm has helped countless auto accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Located in Indianapolis and Lebanon, we offer stellar representation and dedicated service to clients throughout Indiana.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents are prevalent in all walks of life. Once thought of as restricted to nighttime, hit-and-run perpetrators now have no problem getting away in the day. Without witnesses willing to testify, hit-and-run accidents can leave the victims and their families with unmanageable costs. These may include:

• Repair bills
• Property loss
• Rental vehicle
• Replacement car
• Hospital expenses
• Medical treatment
• Emergency operations
• Lost wages or earnings
• Pain, suffering, anguish
• Wrongful death damages
• Future rehabilitation costs

Insurance companies are responsible for covering some of these costs, but not others. As a result, injured victims are rarely fully compensated for their loss. Innocent parties often must bear most or all of the out-of-pocket expenses arising out of the accident.

Insurance and Hit-and-Runs

Indiana law requires a minimum policy limit providing $25,000 in liability per person and $50,000 per accident. But like in most states, many Indiana motorists remain uninsured. Due to their lack of coverage, these drivers have an incentive to avoid liability by fleeing the accident scene and failing to report the accident. Even when dealing with insured drivers, insurance companies are hesitant to pay up to the policy limit. They would prefer to minimize their own liability than lose money. In fact, the “minimum” required under the law is actually the maximum amount insurers are willing to pay for an accident. When the negligent driver is unknown or uninsured, insurance companies often pay nothing.

Unknown, Uninsured, and Underinsured Motorists

Hit-and-run accidents present a problem for insured drivers because the perpetrator is unknown. Without an identifiable party, there is no cost-sharing for the damage. The same is true of uninsured motorists. The injured victim is personally liable for their own losses, regardless of fault. When the at-fault driver has a smaller policy limit than the injured party, the maximum compensation possible is the smaller amount. After expenses reach this threshold, the at-fault driver is liable for the rest. But no judgment or settlement is effective against an insolvent driver. As such, innocent motorists still remain personally responsible for their own injuries.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Benefits

Under Indiana law, insurance companies are required to offer a policy that covers hit-and-run collisions and other accidents where the at-fault driver is unknown, uninsured, or underinsured. Newer policies require holders to formally waive these benefits in writing. However, older policies still do not cover hit-and-run liability. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) policies allow injured drivers to file a claim with their own company seeking compensation for their harm. Most policies must be supplemented to add this coverage. UIM benefits cover policy holders and relevant family members injured in hit-and-run collisions.

Maximizing Insurance Awards

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, the Indianapolis personal injury lawyers at Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP can help. We have over four decades of experience handling UIM benefits and insurance claims for hit-and-run victims. Do not let insurance adjusters hassle you into accepting an unsatisfactory offer or sign a waiver without legal counsel. We can help you maximize your award and seek full compensation for your harm. For a free consultation, call (866) 987-7277 or contact us online.