A hit-and-run accident is a perfect example of adding insult to injury. The injury happened in the car accident, and the insult happened when the at-fault driver sped off without taking responsibility. The driver most likely took off because they didn’t want to face liability for your injuries. They didn't want to have to pay for your medical bills and other damages.

So, how are you supposed to get the compensation you need? You might think insurance is the answer but does liability cover hit-and-run accidents? In this post, we lay out what any Alabama victim of a hit-and-run accident must know about insurance coverage. For more information, read on or contact the lawyers at Warren & Simpson.

Does Liability Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Does liability insurance cover hit-and-run accidents? Sadly, many victims of hit-and-run crashes believe their insurance will cover them but inevitably find that this is not the case. If you only have the bare minimum of liability insurance, it won’t cover a hit-and-run.

Liability insurance is meant to cover the property damage and injuries that you cause in an auto accident for which you are at fault. In a hit-and-run accident, the other driver is at fault. That means your liability coverage won’t kick in for you as the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

Considering the fact that a hit-and-run crash happens every 43 seconds in the US, that may be a little scary to hear. The good news is that there are other ways to protect yourself from hit-and-run accidents.

Next Steps to Take

In no state does liability cover hit-and-run crashes—including Alabama. To avoid becoming a victim of a hit-and-run crash left with no insurance coverage, you can rely on a few other forms of coverage:

• Uninsured motorist coverage. Unlike liability insurance hit-and-run coverage, uninsured motorist coverage is designed to pay in situations like hit-and-run crashes. This coverage is meant to replace the insurance another driver should have purchased but didn't. It covers your injuries because the other driver can't be found in the case of a hit-and-run.
• Property damage insurance. As the victim of a hit-and-run car accident, you likely have damage to your vehicle at the very least. While property damage insurance won't cover your medical bills, it will cover the damage to your car that the hit-and-run driver caused.

It's nice to know that you can rely on some types of insurance after a hit-and-run. But it’s even better if you can identify the driver. That way, you have the option of holding them accountable for your damages in court.

One of the best ways to find the driver is to involve the police. Leaving the scene of a serious crash is a crime in Alabama. That means the police will be interested in finding this person if you file a police report. You can call the police to file this report as soon as safely possible after your crash.

Any information you can provide to the police or your lawyer can help find the hit-and-run driver later. It's a good idea to keep a pen and paper in your glove box so you can write down as many details as possible right after the crash. Here are some examples of details that could be helpful:

• The car's license plate number
• The color, make, and model of the vehicle
• The direction in which the vehicle was going or left the scene
• Any witness accounts about the vehicle or the crash
• The date, time, and location of the crash
• Information about your vehicle’s damage and your injuries

Since your liability insurance may not cover you in the case of a hit-and-run, it can be beneficial to invest in other methods of protection in the event you are hit.

Get the Coverage You Need

After a hit-and-run accident, you need answers. You have more questions than just, "Does liability cover hit-and-run accidents?" You need to know all of your legal options for recovering compensation. At Warren & Simpson, we have the answers you are looking for.

We have won more than 2,000 cases for people like you. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident that caused serious injuries, we have what it takes to help you win all the compensation you deserve. We can help you search for the at-fault driver, deal with insurance, gather evidence, file a claim or lawsuit, and fight in court or settlement talks.

To discuss your case with a trusted Alabama lawyer today, contact Warren & Simpson. Call 256-539-7575 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.