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Filing a Claim after a Hit and Run Accident in Ohio

Personal Injury attorney David Elk recounts what happened to a former U.S. Navy seal when he was thrown from his motorcycle in a hit and run accident.

 

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, nothing is more frustrating and alarming than the other driver speeding off from the scene, failing to take responsibility or even checking to see if you’re okay.

Unfortunately, this scenario happens all too often. Speeding drivers, drunk drivers, unsafe drivers, uninsured motorists or even unlicensed drivers flee the scenes of accidents to avoid their responsibilities.

So how do you file a claim if you don’t know who the other driver was? At Elk & Elk, we will investigate the scene of a hit and run accident to see if we can get that information from witnesses, surveillance video cameras or other sources in the area. If we are unable to determine the identity of the negligent driver, we can file a claim against your own insurance company.

Although you may think you only pay insurance to protect yourself in the event you injure someone else in a car accident, your insurance policy also exists protects you. However, if you do file a claim, be aware that your insurance company may not automatically grant your claim just because you are a customer. In some cases, your insurance company may deny your claim completely.

When dealing with an unidentified negligent driver, you should speak to a personal injury attorney. An experienced accident lawyer understands how to navigate complicated claims and deal with insurance companies. He or she will make sure you do not fall victim to lowball settlement checks or other tactics used by the insurance company to avoid paying you what you deserve in the case of your accident.

After an accident, you should focus your attention on recovering from your injuries. Let your attorney handle recovering compensation for medical bills, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription drug, lost wages and all the other costs that you’ve incurred as the result of someone else’s negligence.

To learn more about personal injury law, I encourage you to watch the video above and to explore our educational website at elkandelk.com. If you have legal questions, please call us at 1-800-ELK-OHIO. I welcome your call.

David J. Elk