How To Prove You Aren't Trying To Defraud Your Insurer With A Hit-And-Run Claim
Since insurance fraud is a reality, the insurer will not overlook the possibility that you are trying to defraud it if you present a hit-and-run claim. Therefore, the onus is on you to prove that the accident really happened. Here are some of the measures to prove such a claim:
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Taking pictures of the accident scene will provide your insurers with the proof that at least something happened, even if it isn't exactly what you are describing. For example, pictures of broken glass, skid marks, paint scratches on your car, and dents on your car can all provide proof that your car was damaged. It would really take an insane motorist to go to that length to stage an accident. Make sure the pictures are date stamped, and don't alter them in any way to avoid any confusion.
Record As Much Details As Possible
Just because you can't swap insurance and contacts with the other driver doesn't mean you don't have any information to preserve. Talk to potential witnesses, such as other drivers, pedestrians or even people in nearby buildings. If you happen to have a glance at the car, record anything you can remember about it, such as make, model, and color. The license plate number would be great, but it isn't usually easy to get in a true hit-and-run accident. The more details you can record, the more your claim will look genuine, since a fraudster would find it difficult to get so many things right.
Report the Accident
Even if you aren't seriously hurt and can still drive, resist the temptation to run after the offending motorist. For one, your anger may cause you to drive recklessly and cause another accident. Call the police immediately since they are better equipped to look for the driver than you. For example, they may have access to roadside surveillance cameras and interview witnesses. Even if they don't locate the driver, they can prove that at least an accident occurred, which will be good enough to help you process your claim.
Your consistency will be a great tool in proving your hit-and-run claim. Whatever you tell the police should be the exact thing you tell the insurer. Hopefully, the errant driver will be found, and their insurer will pay for your damages. If that doesn't happen, the above tips should help you prove your claim and get compensation from your insurer. The compensation should come from your underinsured or uninsured driver insurance if you don't live in a no-fault state.
Contact a personal injury attorney if you find that you need legal assistance.
